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UNIVERSITY    OF     ILLINOIS    LIBRARY    AT    URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 


JUL  0  2  i^:9 


L161— O-1096 


The  Knights  Templar 


A  COMPILATION  OF  THE 

HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY, 

NO.  10, 

KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

OTTAWA,  ILLINOIS. 


COMPLETE  ROSTER  OF  MEMBERS  AND  HISTORICAL  DATA  OF  PILGRIMAGES 

AND  MEMORABLE  EVENTS  FROM  DATE  OF  ORGANIZATION  UNDER 

DISPENSATION,  FEBRUARY  1,  A.  D.  1861,  A.  O.  742, 

TO  JUNE  1,  A.  D.  1916,  A.  O.  798. 


ALSO  A  COMPENDIUM  OF  THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  CRUSADES 
IN  THE  ELEVENTH  AND  TWELFTH  CENTURIES, 

AND  A  SUMMARY  OF  THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR  OF  THE  MID- 
DLE AGES  AND  THEIR  RELATION  TO  FREE  MASONRY  AND  THE 
MODERN  ORDER  OF  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR. 

THE  INTRODUCTION  OF  THE  ROYAL  ARCH  AND  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR  IN  THE 

BLUE  LODGES  DOWN  TO  AND  INCLUDING  THE  ORGANIZATION 

OF  THE  GRAND  ENCAMPMENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 

AND  THE 

GRAND  COMMAMDERY  OF  ILLINOIS,  A.  D.  1857. 


BY 
WILLIAM  LEE  ROY  MILLIGAN  33°,  P.  C. 


Republican-Times  Printing  Company, 
Ottawa,  Illinois. 


WILLIAM   LEE  ROY  MILLIGAN  33°, 

Commander  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  1886-7,  1891-2. 

Historian  Ottawa  Commandery. 


UNIVER  !TV  Ot  ILLINOIS 


THIS   WORK 

IS    MOST    RESPECTFULLY    DEDICATED 

TO  THE   MEMORY  OF 

R.  E,  SIR  JOHN  FISK  NASH, 

Past  Commander  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  K.  T., 

Grand   Commander  Grand  Commandery,   Illinois,  A.  D.   1878. 

Died  July  6,  1913. 

AND   TO 

R.  E.  SIR  ALBERT  FREDERICK  SCHOCH  330, 

Past  Commander  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  K.  T., 
Grand  Commander  Grand  Commandery,  Illinois,  A.   D.   1907. 

Their  good  works  will  live  long  after  their  day. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMAXDERY, 


THE  APOSTLES'  CREED. 

I  believe  in  God,  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of 
heaven  and  earth,  and  in  Jesus  Christ,  His  only  Son, 
our  Lord;  Who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius 
Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried ;  He  descended 
into  hell;  the  third  day  He  rose  from  the  dead;  He 
ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of 
God  the  Father  Almighty;  from  thence  He  shall  come 
to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead. 

1  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  Holy  Catholic 
Church  ;  the  Communion  of  Saints ;  the  Forgiveness  of 
Sins;  the  Resurrection  of  the  Body,  and  the  Life  Ever- 
lasting.    Amen. 


I  II  E    KNIGHTS   T!-:m  PLAR. 


The  rising  God  forsakes  the  tomb, 
Up   to   his   Father's   court   he   flies; 

Cherubic  legions   guard   him  home, 
And  shout   him   welcome  to  the  skies. 

Break   off  your  tears,  ye  saints,  and  tell, 
How   high  our  gieat  deliv'rer  reigns; 

Sing  how  he  spoil'd  the  hosts  ot  hell, 
And  led  the  tyrant  Death  in  chains. 

Say  "Live  forever,  glorious  King, 

Born  to  redeem,  instruct,  and  save!" 

Then — "O  death,  where  is  thy  sting? 
And   where  thv  victorv,   O  Grave?" 


L1BRMW 

UNNER  TV  OM'J-INOIS 


HISTORY   OF    OTTAWA    COMMANDERY. 


INTRODUCTORY. 

It  is  recorded  of  an  ancient  author,  that  while  apologiz- 
ing for  the  imperfections  of  one  of  his  books,  he  was  in- 
terrupted by  the  inquiry,  "Who  asked  yon  to  write  it?" 
Jt  might  be  asked  with  equal  propriety,  "Why  is  this  book 
published  ?" 

Xo  person  asked  me  to  write  this  book.  Its  publica- 
tion arose  from  a  desire  to  perpetuate  the  fond  recollections 
of  days  and  associations  long  since  vanished.  Days  that 
were  epoch-making  in  the  valley  of  the  Illinois,  long  be- 
fore ninety-rive  per  cent,  of  the  readers  of  this  volume  were 
born. 

It  arose  from  a  desire  to  perpetuate  the  names  of  the 
members  of  our  order  who  were  foremost  in  the  develop- 
ment of,  not  only  our  immediate  locality,  but  the  great 
state  of  Illinois,  and  our  order  in  particular.  It  is  with  a 
sense  of  just  pride  that  we  record  in  this  volume  the  roster 
of  Ottawa  Commandery,  in  which  is  found  the  names  of 
men  who  ranked  high  in  their  professions  and  councils  of 
our  nation,  and  were  men  of  national  fame  in  military  and 
civil  life.  We  regret  that  it  is  not  possible  to  allot  space 
in  this  volume  to  give  a  more  extended  biographical  sketch 
of  all  the  members  of  Ottawa  Commandery  who  have  been 
prominent  in  military  and  civil  life  or  in  the  different 
grades  of  Free  Masonry,  or  even  a  synopsis  of  prominent 
incidents  connected  with  their  lives.  Suffice  to  say  that 
Ottawa  Commandery  was  represented  in  the  military  serv- 
ice of  the  United  States  during  the  civil  war  by  two  gen- 
erals, three  colonels,  two  majors,  six  captains  and  other 
subordinate  officers.  In  civil  life,  Ottawa  Commandery 
has  been  honored  in  both  branches  of  our  state  legislature, 
as  well  as  in  the  congress  of  our  nation.     Two  of  our  mem- 


tO  111  I".  KNIGHTS  TKM  I'l.AK. 

bers  have  been  Attorney  Generals  of  the  state  of  Illinois. 
In  our  courts  of  justice,  the  benches  of  the  Circuit,  County 
and  Probate  Courts  arc  graced  by  members  of  Ottawa 
Commandery.  Men  have  been  chosen  from  the  ranks  o\ 
Ottawa  Commandery  to  till  every  county  office  in  the  gift 
of  the  electorate,  and  several  times  lias  the  city  ^i  Ottawa 
chosen  its  mayor  from  the  membership  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, and  at  present  one  of  the  city's  most  progressive 
commissioners  is  a  member  of  Ottawa  Commandery.  and 
to-day  many  of  its  members  are  holding  positions  ^\  pub- 
lic trust,  while  others  are  prominent  in  professional  and 
mercantile  life,  and  others  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits, 
the  noblest  and  most  ideal  life  of  all. 

The  fraters  of  Ottawa  Commandery  have  been  active 
in  other  Masonic  bodies.  Some  have  rilled  the  chairs  in 
Occidental  and  Humboldt  Lodges,  Shabbona  Chapter. 
Royal  Arch  Masons,  and  Oriental  Council,  Royal  and 
Select  Masters.  Two  of  its  members  have  been  honored 
by  the  Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois  by  being  elected  to 
the  honored  position  of  Grand  Commander.  Two  have 
presided  over  the  Grand  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons, 
and  one  has  presided  over  the  Grand  Council  of  Royal  and 
Select  Masters  of  Illinois,  and  he  was  also  one  of  the 
original  promoters  of  the  Illinois  Masonic  Orphans'  Home, 
and  was  a  member  of  the  board  of  trustees  for  several 
years,  and  holds  life  membership  certificate  No.  i  in  that 
institution.  He  also  holds  a  certificate  of  honorary  mem- 
bership in  Fortitude  Lodge.  No.  47,  La  Grange,  Ky.  Three 
of  its  members  have,  as  a  recognition  of  their  Masonic 
services,  been  awarded  the  33d  and  last  degree  of  the 
Ancient  and  Accepted  Scottish  Rite  in  the  Northern  Ma- 
sonic Jurisdiction  of  the  U.  S.  A. 

Although,    as    above    stated,    so    many   have   been    dis- 
tinguished   in   military   and   civil    life   that   it    would   seem 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  II 

invidious  to  make  special  mention  of  any  one,  yet  there  are 
some  who  have  been  so  conspicuous  in  Masonic  circles  that 
justice  to  their  memories,  some  of  whom  are  with  us  no 
more  forever,  demands  more  than  a  passing  notice:  Oliver 
Cromwell  Gray,  the  first  commander  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery,  Generals  \Y.  11.  L.  Wallace  and  T.  E.  G.  Ran- 
som, George  W.  Lininger,  and  the  dedicatees  of  this  work, 
Past  Commanders  of  Ottawa  Commandery  and  Past  Grand 
Commanders  of  the  Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois,  whose 
biographical  pages  will  he  found  in  this  volume. 

We  do  not  hestitate  in  stating  that  this  hook,  like  the 
"White  Apron,"  is  a  labor  of  love.  We  had  the  pleasure  of 
having  been  intimately  acquainted  with  all  the  Past  Com- 
manders of  Ottawa  Commandery,  from  Oliver  Cromwell 
Gray,  on  whose  lap  1  sat  when  a  boy,  down  to  the  present 
time. 

To-day,  as  the  senior  Past  Commander  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, I  seem  to  be  standing  alone  on  the  shore  of  a 
great  ocean,  scanning  the  vast  horizon  for  a  glimpse  of  a 
white  sail. 

We  look  in  vain  for  a  Gray,  a  Rhoads,  a  Peckham,  a 
Wade,  a  Burgess,  a  Lininger,  the  two  Gibsons,  a  Nash,  a 
Smith,  a  Trimble,  a  McArthur,  who  preceded  me  in  pre- 
siding over  the  destinies  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  and  from 
whom  I  obtained  my  inspiration  in  whatever  capacity  I 
may  have  served  Ottawa  Commandery. 

It  seems  but  a  short  time  since  they  were  all  with  us, 
but  now  the  green  grass  is  growing  over  them. 

In  compiling  the  History  of  Ottawa  Commandery  I 
have  introduced  in  the  forepart,  a  compendium  of  the  his- 
tory of  Chivalry  and  the  Crusades  and  a  more  extended 
summary  of  the  history  of  the  order  of  Knights  Templar 
and  their  relation  to  Free  Masonry,  the  introduction  of 
the  Royal  Arch  and  Knights  Templar  degrees  and  orders 


\  2  III  E    K  NIGHTS   TEM  PLAR, 

iii  Blue  Lodges  or  Symbolic  Masonry,  down  to  the  or- 
ganization of  the  (irand  Kncampment  of  Knights  Templar 
of  the  United  States  of  America  in  [816,  and  the  Grand 
Commandery  of  Illinois  in  [857,  to  whom  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery  owes  allegiance,  also  an  extended  account  of  the 
history  of  Charleston  Commandery,  No.  1,  the  oldest  Com- 
mandery of  Knights  Templar  in  the  United  States,  if  not 
in  the  world. 

In  compiling  this  work  we  have  been  about  equal  author 
and  compiler,  since  we  have  condensed  quite  a  considerable 
of  its  historical  data  from  the  works  of  some  of  the  earliest 
and  most  reliable  writers  on  Chivalry  and  Templar  his- 
tory, and,  in  incorporating-  the  thoughts  and  words  of 
others,  we  have  frequently  changed  and  added  to  the  lan- 
guage, often  intermingling,  in  the  same  sentence,  our  words 
with  theirs. 

While  it  will  he  of  interest  to  others  as  a  historical 
work,  vet  it  is!  compiled  for  the  benefit  of  the  members 
of  Ottawa  Commandery  in  particular,  and  it  is  hoped  that 
each  member  will  grace  his  library  with  at  least  one  copy, 
and  make  himself  familiar  with  its  contents,  which,  if  the 
metal  is  in  him,  will  make  of  him  a  better  knight  and  a 
better  man.  It  is  hoped,  by  your  historian,  that  this  vol- 
ume will  also  assist  in  maintaining  the  cultivation  of  that 
ancient  sentiment  of  refined  courtesy,  generous  friendship, 
and  alleviating  charity,  one  toward  the  other  among  our 
fraters,  which  is  one  of  the  distinguishing  characteristics 
of  our  order;  and  that  it  will  he  instrumental  in  inspiring 
every  heart,  equipped  from  the  "armory"  of  templar 
precepts,  with  noble  and  honorable  emotions,  bound  by 
knightly  vows,  to  wield  a  moral  and  social  power  in  he- 
half  of  innocent  maidens,  destitute  widows,  helpless  or- 
phans and  the  Christian  religion. 

That  the  almighty  force  and  importance  of  Truth  will 


HISTORY    OF    OTTAWA    COM  M ANDERY. 


13 


radiate  your  pathway  with  the  brilliancy  of  a  pure  morality 
and  an  exalted  citizenship,  which  so  much  distinguished  the 
founders  of  our  order,  is  the  wish  of 
Fraternally  thine. 

Historian  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10.  K.  T. 


!_|.  Til  E   KNIGHTS  TE M  I'l.AK, 


THE  PRAYER  OF  NATURE. 

Father   of   Light!     Great    God  of  Heaven! 

Hear'st   thou  the  accents  of  despair? 
Can   guilt    like   man's    be   e'er   forgiven? 

Can   vice  atone  for  crimes  by   prayer? 

Father  of   Life,  on  thee  1  call! 

Thou  seest  my  soul  is  dark  within; 
Thou  who  can  mark  the  sparrow's  fall, 

Avert  from  me  the  death   of  sin. 

No  shrine  I   seek,  to  sects  unknown; 

Oh,  point  to  me  the  path  of  truth! 
Thy  dread  omnipotence  I  own; 

Spare,  yet  amend,  the  faults  of  youth. 

Let  bigots  rear  a  gloomy  fane, 

Let    superstition   hail   the   pile, 
Let  priests,  to   spread  their  sable  reign, 

With   tales  of  mystic  rites  beguile. 

Shall   man   confine  his   Maker's   sway 
To   gothic   domes   of   mouldering   stone? 

Thy  temple  is  the  face  of  day; 

Earth,  ocean,  heaven,  thy  boundless  throne. 

Shall  man  condemn  his  race  to  hell, 
Unless  they  bend  in  pompous  form? 

Tell  us  that  all,  for  one  who  fell, 
Musi    perish   in   the  mingling  storm? 

Shall  each   pretend  to  reach  the  skies, 

Yet  doom  his  brother  to  expire, 
Whose   soul   a  different   hope  supplies, 

Or  doctrines   less   severe  inspire? 

Shall  these,  by  creeds  they  can't  expound, 
Prepare  a  fancied  bliss  or  woe? 

Shall  reptiles,  groveling  on  the  ground, 
Their  great    Creator's  purpose   know? 

Shall  those  who  live  for  self  alone, 
Whose  years   float   on  in  daily  crime — 

Shall  they  by  faith  for  guilt  atone, 

And  live  beyond  the  bounds  of  Time? 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDER Y.  I  5 

Father!    no   prophet's   laws   I   seek — 

Thy  laws  in  nature's  works  appear; 
I  own  myself  corrupt  and  weak, 

Yet  will  I  pray,  for  thou  wilt  hear! 

Thou,  who  canst  guide  the  wandering  star 
Through  trackless  realms  of  ether's  space; 

Who  calms  the  elemental  war, 

Whose  hand  from  pole  to  pole  I  trace; 

Thou,  who  in  wisdom  placed  me  here, 

Who,  when  thou  wilt,  canst  take  me  hence, 

Ah!  whilst  I  tread  this  earthly  sphere, 
Extend  to  me  Thy  wide  defence. 

To  Thee,  my  God,  to  Thee  I  call! 

Whatever    weal    or    woe    betide, 
By  Thy  command  I  rise  or  fall, 

In  Thy  protection  I  confide. 

If,  when  this  dust  to  dust's  restored, 

My  soul  shall  float  on  airy  wings, 
How  shall  Thy  glorious  name  adored 

Inspire  her  feeble  voice  to  sing! 

But,   if   this   fleeting  spirit  share 

With  clay  the  grave's  eternal  bed, 
While  life  yet  throbs  I  raise  my  prayer, 

Though  doom'd  no  more  to  quit  the  dead. 

To  Thee  I  breathe  my  humble  strain, 

Grateful   for  all   Thy  mercies  past, 
And  hope,  my  God,  to  Thee  again 

This    erring   life    may    fly    at    last. 

— Byron. 


]6  nil      KNIGHTS    TEMPLAR, 


OLD  GLORY. 

Your  flag  and   my  flag,  and  how  it  flies  to-day, 
In  your  land  and  my  land,  and  half  the  world  away. 
Rose-red  and  blood-red,  its  stripes  forever  gleam, 
Snow-white  and   soul-white,   the  good  forefather's   dream. 
Sky-blue  and  true-blue,  with  stars  that  gleam  aright, 
The  glorified  guidon  of  the  day,  a  shelter  thro  the  night. 

Your  flag  and  my  flag,  and  O,  how  much  it  holds, 
Your  land  and  my  land  secure  within  its  folds. 
Your  heart  and  my  heart  beat  quicker  at  the  sight, 
Sun-kissed  and  wind-tossed,  the  red,  the  blue,  the  white. 
The  one  flag,  the  great  flag,  the  flag  for  me  and  you. 
Glorified  the  whole  world  wide,  the  red,  the  white,  the  blue. 

Your  flag  and  my  flag,  to  every  star  and  stripe, 

Drums  beat  as  hearts  beat,  and  fifers  shrilly  pipe. 

Your  flag  and  my  flag,  its  brightness  fills  the  sky, 

Your  hope  and  my  hope,  it  never  held  a  lie, 

Home  land  and  far  land,  and  all  the  world  around, 

Old  Glory  hears  the  great  salute,  and  ripples  at  the  sound. 


OLD  (iLOKY. 

During  the  winter  of  1891-2  a  Eociety,  called  the  "Anarchists," 
menaced  ihe  peace  of  the  city  of  Chicago  with  their  defy  to  con- 
si  it uted  authority,  and  in  large  numbers  paraded  the  streets  of  the 
city,  carrying  only  a  "red  fla-"  as  their  symbol  of  defy  to  organized 
government.  Sir  W.  L.  Milligan,  then  commander  of  Ottawa  Com 
mandery,  No.  10,  Knights  Templar,  conceived  the  idea  of  setting  an 
example  of  patriotism  for  such  organizations,  by  displaying  the 
Stars  and  Stripes,  the  symbol  of  cur  republic,  by  the  side  of  the 
beauseant  (the  battle  flag  of  the  Ancient  Templars)  in  our  asylums 
and  when  appearing  in  public.  Accordingly,  the  latter  part  of 
January,  1892,  he  purchased  for  Ottawa  Commandery  a  beautiful  silk 
regulation  American  flag  with  the  intention  of  presenting  same  to 
the  commandery  on  Washington's  birthday.  It  was,  however,  sug- 
gested that  the  formal  presentation  be  delayed  until  the  day  of 
departure  of  the  commandery  to  the  Triennial  Conclave  of  Knights 
Templar,  to  be  held  in  Denver,  Colorado,  during  August  following, 
when  with  the  presentation  of  the  flag  Ottawa  Commandery  would 
pull  off  a  "red-letter"  day  in  Ottawa.  Accordingly,  on  the  sixth  of 
August,  1892,  the  day  of  the  commandery's  departure  for  Denver, 
Sir  Milligan  formally  presented  the  flag,  for  a  full  record  of  which, 
find  copied  from  the  records  of  Ottawa  Commandery  for  year 
1S92,  in  this  volume,  page  217. 

In  1896,  four  years  later,  at  the  Annual  Conclave  of  the  Grand 
Commandery,  held  in  the  city  of  Chicago,  General  John  C.  Smith, 
P.    G.    C,   presented   the   following   resolution,   which   was   adopted 
without  reference: 
"To  the  Grand  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar,  State  of  Illinois: 

"Whereas,  From  the  earliest  organization  of  our  Illustrious  Or- 
der of  the  Temple,  the  Christian's  Cross,  the  symbol  of  our  faith, 
has  been  a  distinguishing  mark  upon  our  banners  and  worn  by  the 
Templar  as  an  evidence  of  the  faith  that  is  in  him,  and  as  the 
beauseant  has  been  the  battle  flag  beside  which  was  ever  the  flag 
of  the  country  from  which  the  Templar  came;   therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  purchase 
for  this  Grand  Commandery  a  silk  regulation  flag  of  the  United 
States  that,  with  the  beauseant  and  banner  of  our  faith,  may  be 
carried  the  flag  of  our  language,  the  flag  of  our  common  country, 
the  flag  of  the  United  States  of  America." 

Following  which  Sir  Hamer  H.  Green,  P.  G.  C,  then  Grand 
Warder,  moved  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution,  which  he 
submitted,  and  which  was  carried: 

"Whereas,  It  would  be  becoming  for  the  subordinate  comman- 
deries  of  this  grand  jurisdiction  to  follow  the  patriotic  example  of 
this  Grand  Commandery  just  taken;    therefore, 

"Resolved,  That  we  recommend  that  each  Commandery  of  this 
grand  jurisdiction  be  requested  to  procure  a  regulation  United 
States  flag,  to  represent  their  fidelity  to  the  greatest  government 
of  history." 


HISTORY   OF  OTTAWA   COMMANDERY.  1 7 

OURl  FLAGS. 

The  first  flag  to  float  over  American  soil  was  the  Red 
Cross  of  St.  George,  the  banner  of  Richard  Cioeur  de  Lion 
in  1 192,  planted  at  Labrador,  by  Sebastian  Cabot,  in  1497, 
as  the  Royal  Ensign  of  Henry  the  Seventh  of  England. 

(Columbus,  in  1492,  planted  the  Spanish  colors  on  the 
island  of  San  Salvador,  one  of  the  Bahama  group.) 

In  1 192,  Richard  Coeur  de  Lion  sought  the  aid  of  St. 
George,  B'ishop  of  Cappadocia.  He  gave  the  King  the  Red 
Cross  of  St.  George  as  a  banner.  Edward  III.,  in  1345, 
made  St.  George  the  patron  saint  of  England.  For  250 
years,  or  until  1606,  the  Red'  Cross  of  St.  George  was 
England's  banner,  and  floated  over  Virginia. 

The  second  flag  to  float  over  permanent  settlements 
in  America,  "The  King's  Colors,"  a  union  between  the  Red 
Cross  of  St.  George  of  England  and  the  White  Cross  of 
Scotland  under  James  I.,  in  1606 — the  flag  of  the  May- 
flower, in  1620. 

In  1606  Scotland  was  added  to  England,  and  King 
James  I.,  in  honor  of  the  union,  placed  the  White  Cross  of 
St.  Andrew  on  the  national  flag,  changing  the  field  from 
white  to  blue. 

Massachusetts'  records  speak  of  it  in  1634.  In  Novem- 
ber of  that  year  Endicott,  of  Salem,  defaced  it.  Not  with 
ill  intent  to  England;  but  the  Red  Cross  was  a  relic  of 
Antichrist.  In  1651,  the  Court  of  iMassachusetts  ordered 
that  the  Cross  of  St.  George  and  St.  Andrew  be  used  in 
the  colony. 

In  1801,  Ireland  became  a  part  of  the  United  Kingdom. 
To  commemorate  that  event,  the  Cross  of  St.  Patrick,  a 
red  diagonal,  was,  by  order  of  George  III.,  fimbriated  on 
the  Red  Cross  of  St.  Andrew,  thus  creating  the  Union 
Jack. 


[8  III  E   KNIGH  IS  TEW  PL  \K, 

Aboul    1707  the  Third   Flag,  the  flag  of  Cromwell  and 

Charles    II..   was   not   accepted   by   the   United   Colonies   in 
the  New  World,  and  was  the  cause  of  much  discussion. 

Under  Cromwell  and  Charles  11.  various  minor  changes 
were  made.  The  color  of  the  field  was  changed  to  crim- 
son, and  the  two  crosses  were  placed  on  the  upper  corner. 
This  was  called  the  Cromwell  flag,  and  in  such  form  was 
never  accepted  by  the  colonies.  They  continued  to  use  the 
King's  Colors  until  1707.  when  the  crimson,  bine  or 
white  held  was  adopted,  with  a  pine  tree  or  globe  in  the 
upper  corner,  and  used  until   1770. 

The  Fourth  Flag:  Massachusetts  had  used  the  pine 
tree  as  her  symbol  for  some  time.  It  is  on  the  silver  coins 
of  that  colon}". 

Trumbull,  in  his  celebrated  picture  of  the  battle  of 
Bunker  Hill,  in  the  rotunda  of  the  Capitol  at  Washington, 
represents  the  red  flag,  white  corner,  green  pine  tree. 

The  troops  of  Massachusetts  adopted  the  words.  "An 
Appeal  to  Heaven." 

The  Fifth  Flag  used  by  the  colonies  was  carried  by 
the  men  of  the  southern  colonies  of  North  Carolina,  South 
Carolina  and  Georgia,  known  as  the  snake  flag.  The  flag 
was  pure  white,  upon  its  area  was  coiled  a  rattlesnake,  with 
the  motto,  "Beware!  Don't  tread,  on  me!"  which  meant 
no  surrender.  The  rattlesnake  will  fight  to  the  last ;  when 
escape  becomes  impossible,  will  strike  his  fangs  into  his  own 
body  and  die  rather  than  surrender. 

This  flag  was  used  during  the  years   [776  and   1777. 

The  Sixth  Flag,  the  plain  white  flag,  with  a  pine  tree 
in  the  center  of  the  area,  was  decided  on  as  the  marine 
flag  for  our  vessels,  and  used  during  the  year   1775. 

This  (lag  was  known  as  the  court  flag  of  Massachusetts. 

The  Seventh  Flag,  or  the  flag  of  American  independ- 
ence,  was  the  first  striped  flag  ever  made,  and  was  first 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  I'OMMANDERY.  IO, 

Hung  to  the  breeze  at  Cambridge,  Massachusetts,  Wash- 
ington's headquarters,  January   1,   1776. 

It  had  thirteen  stripes,  alternate  red  and  write,  and  the 
united  crosses  of  St.  George  and  St.  Andrew  on  a  blue 
held. 

When  reported  in  England  it  was  alluded  to  as  the 
"Thirteen   Rebellious  Stripes." 

Lieut.  John  Paul  Jones  hoisted  this  flag  on  his  vessel, 
the  Alfred,  and  said,  "The  hag  of  America  floats  for  the 
first  time  over  an  American  man-of-war." 

The  Eighth  Flag,  or  Old  Glory,  was  adopted  by  the 
American  Congress,  in  session  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  four- 
teenth of  June,  1777,  when  Congress: 

"Resolved,  That  the  Flag  of  the  thirteen  United  States 
be  thirteen  stripes,  alternate  red  and  white;  the  union  to 
be  thirteen  stars,  white  on  a  blue  field,  representing  a  new 
constellation;  the  stars  to  be  arranged  in  a  circle." 

The  committee,  consisting  of  General  Washington, 
Robert  Morris,  and  Colonel  Ross,  called  on  Betsv  Ross, 
who  kept  an  upholsterer's  shop  in  Arch  street,  Philadel- 
phia, and  asked  her  to  make  a  flag  after  the  design  they 
showed  her.  She  changed  the  stars  Washington  had  drawn 
with  six  points,  the  English  rule,  to  five  points,  the  French 
rule.  Our  flags  have  always  had  the  five-pointed  stars; 
our  coins,  the  six-pointed. 

The  flag  was  first  used  at  Fort  Stanwix  (now  Reno). 
New7  York,  in   1777,  when  attacked  by  the  English. 

The  Ninth  Flag,  or  fifteen  stripe  flag. 

Vermont  came  into  the  Union  in  1701;  Kentucky,  in 
1792. 

The  Senate  passed  a  bill,  in  1704.  increasing  the  num- 
ber of  stripes  to  fifteen.  When  the  bill  came  up  in  the 
House  of  Representatives  there  was  considerable  debate. 
The  bill  finally  passed  in  July,  1795. 


20  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

We  used  the  fifteen-stripe  flag  for  twenty-three  years. 

The  new  star  takes  its  place  on  the  flag  on  the  Fourth 
of  July  following  the  passage  of  any  hill  admitting  a  state. 

As  the  tie  that  hinds  the  United  States  was  held  by 
the  government  at  Washington  to  be  one  that  could  not 
be  severed,  no  star  was  taken  from  the  flag  during  the  con- 
flict of  1 861-1865. 

The  tenth  flag,  Old  Glory:  A  committee  was  ap- 
pointed in  181 6  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of  again 
altering  the  flag.  AJt  first  they  reported  in  favor  of  twenty 
stars  and  stripes,  the  number  of  states  then  in  the  Union. 
The  matter  was  referred  to  Captain  Reid.  He  advised  re- 
ducing the  stripes  to  the  original  number,  thirteen,  and 
increasing  the  number  of  stars,  one  for  each  state,  the 
motto  to  be  "E  Pluribus  Unum."  The  committee  reported 
as  recommended  by  Captain  Reid.  It  was  laid  over  by  Con- 
gress, but  was  passed  April  4,  1818,  to  take  effect  July  4th 
of  that  year. 

It  was  at  this  time  that  Old  Glory  was  first  applied  to 
our  Flag.  Stephen  Driver  had  been  a  sea  captain,  sailing 
from  Salem,  Massachusetts,  before  the  civil  war.  Once 
in  a  foreign  port,  for  some  service  rendered,  a  beautiful 
American  flag  was  presented  to  him.  Giving  up  the  sea, 
he  made  his  home  in  Nashville,  Tennessee.  When  the  war 
began,  to  secrete  the  flag,  he  sewed  it  in  a  quilt,  and  every 
night  slept  beneath  it.     He  named  it  "Old  Glory!" 

Old  Glory  to-day:     Forty-eight  stars. 

The  plan  of  arranging  the  stars  in  rows  was  adopted  in 
1818,  and  has  been  continued  since. 

The  Aleutian  Islands,  a  part  of  Alaska,  extend  so  far 
westward  that  when  it  is  sunset  on  the  most  westerly  part 
it  is  sunrise  in   Eastport,  Maine. 

So  that  since  1867,  thirty-five  years  before  the  Philip- 
pine Islands  were  taken  under  our  care.  The  SUN  NEVER 
SETS  ON  THE  AMERICAN  FLAG! 


HISTORY   OF   OTTAWA    COMMANDERY.  21 


ROCK  ME  TO'  SLEEP,  MOTHER. 

Backward,  turn  backward,  O  Time,  in  your  flight, 
Make   me  a  child  again,  just  for  to-night ! 
Mother,  come  back  from  the  echoless  shore, 
Take  me  again  to  your  heart  as  of  yore; 
Kiss  from  my  forehead  the  furrows  of  care, 
Smooth  the  few  silver  threads  out  of  my  hair; 
Over  my  slumbers  your  loving  watch  keep — 
Rock  me  to  sleep,  mother — rock  me  to  sleep! 

Backward,  flow  backward,  O  tide  of  the  years! 

I  am  so  weary  of  toil,  and  of  tears — 

Toil  without  recompense — tears  all  in  vain — 

Take  them,  and  give  me  childhood  again! 

I  have  grown  weary  of  dust  and  decay — 

Weary  of  flinging  my  soul-wealth  away; 

Weary  of  sowing  for  others  to  reap— 

Rock  me  to  sleep,  mother — rock  me  to  sleep! 

Tired  of  the  hollow,  the  base,  the  untrue, 
Mother,  O  mother,  my  heart  calls  for  you. 
Many   a  summer  the  grass  has  grown  green, 
Blossomed  and   faded,  our  faces  between; 
Yet  with  strong  yearning,  and  passionate  pain, 
Long  I  to-night  for  your  presence  again. 
Come  from  the  silence  so  long  and  so  deep — 
Rock  me  to  sleep,  mother — rock  me  to  sleep! 

Over  my  heart,  in  the  days  that  are  flown, 
No  love  like  a  mother's  love  ever  has  shown, 
No  other  worship  abides  and  endures — 
Faithful,  unselfish,  and  patient  like  yours; 
None  like  a  mother  can  charm  away  pain 
From  the  sick  soul  and  the  world-weary  brain. 
Slumber's  soft  calm  o'er  my  heavy  lids  creep — 
Rock  me  to  sleep,  mother — rock  me  to  sleep! 

Come,  let  your  brown  hair  just  lighted  with  gold, 
Fall  on  your  shoulders  again  as  of  old; 
Let  it  drop  over  my  forehead  to-night, 
Shading  my  faint  eyes  away  from  the  light ; 
For   with    its   sunny-edged    shadows   once    more 
Happy  will  throng  the  sweet  visions  of  yore — 
Lovingly,  softly,  its  bright  billows  sweet — 
Rock  me  to  sleep,  mother — rock  me  to  sleep! 


THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

Mother,  dear  mot  her.  the  years  have  been  long 
Since  I   last    listened   to  your  lullaby  song; 
Sing,  then,  and  unto  my  heart  it  shall  seem 
Womanhood's  years   have  been  only  a   dream- 
Clasped  to  your  heart   in  a  loving  embrace, 
With  your  light  lashes  just  sweeping  my  face, 
Never  hereafter   to   wake  01    to  weep — ■ 
Rock  me  to  sleep,  mother — rock  me  to  sleep! 

— Florence  Percy. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  23 


A  MOTHER'S  DAY  PRAYER. 

Congressman  Humphry,  of  Washington,  contributed  a 
remarkable  article  to  the  Congressional  Record  not  long 
ago.  He  asked  unanimous  consent  to  have  published  "a 
piece"  written  by  Tom  Dillon,  of  Seattle.  Consent  was 
given  and  the  following  prayer  to  "My  Mother"  appeared : 

For  the  body  you  gave  me,  the  bone  and  the  sinew, 
the  heart  and  the  brain  that  are  yours,  my  mother,  I  thank 
yon.  1  thank  yon  for  the  light  in  my  eyes,  the  blood  in 
my  veins,  for  my  speech,  for  my  life,  for  my  being.  All 
that  I  am  is  from  you  who  bore  me. 

For  all  the  love  that  you  gave  me,  unmeasured  from 
the  beginning,  my  mother,  I  thank  yon.  1  thank  you  for 
the  hand  that  led  me,  the  voice  that  directed  me,  the  lap 
that  rested  me.     All  that  I  am  is  by  you,  who  nursed  me. 

For  your  smile  in  the  morning  and  your  kiss  at  night, 
my  mother,  I  thank  you.  I  thank  yon  for  the  tears  you 
shed  over  me,  the  songs  that  you  sang  for  me,  the  prayers 
you  said  for  me,  for  your  vigils  and  ministerings. 

For  the  faith  you  had  in  me,  the  hope  you  had  for  me, 
for  your  trust  and  your  pride,  my  mother,  I  thank  you. 
1  thank  yon  for  your  praise  and  your  chiding,  for  the  jus- 
tice you  bred  into  me  and  the  honor  you  made  mine.  All 
that  1   am  you  taught  me. 

For  the  sore  travail  that  I  caused  you,  for  the  visions 
and  despairs,  my  mother,  forgive  me.  Forgive  me  the 
peril  1  brought  yon  to,  the  subs  and  moans  T  wrung  from 
von,  and  the  strength  1  took  from  you,  mother,  forgive  me. 

For  the  fears  I  gave!  you,  and  for  the  alarms  and 
dreads,  my  mother,  forgive  me.  Forgive  me  the  joys  I  de- 
prived you,  the  toils  I  made  for  you,  the  hours,  the  days, 
and  the  years  1  claimed  from  you,  mother,  forgive  me. 


24  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

For  the  times  that  I  hurt  you,  the  times  I  had  no  smile 
for  vou,  my  mother,  forgive  me.  Forgive  me  for  my 
angers  and  revolts,  for  my  deceits  and  evasions,  for  all  the 
pangs  and  sorrows  1  brought  to  you,  mother,  forgive  me. 

For  your  lessons  1  did  not  learn,  for  wishes  1  did  not 
heed,  for  the  counsels  I  did  not  obey,  my  mother,  forgive 
me.  Forgive  me  my  pride  in  my  youth  and  my  glory  in 
my  strength  that  forgot  the  holiness;  of  your  years  and 
the  veneration  of  vour  weakness,  for  all  the  great  depths 
of  vour  love  that  I  have  not  paid,  mother,  forgive  me. 

And  may  the  peace  and  the  joy  that  passeth  all  under- 
standing he  yours,  my  mother,  forever  and  ever.    Amen. 


HISTORY    OF   OTTAWA    COMMANDERV.  25 


CHIVALRY. 

In  expressing-  his  deep  regret  in  the  existence  of  a  con- 
dition of  society  in  which  so  foul  a  crime  could  be  tolerated 
as  the  execution  of  the  lovely  and  unfortunate  Queen  of 
France,   Edmund  Burke  remarked : 

"It  is  now  sixteen  or  seventeen  years  since  I  saw  the  Queen 
of  France,  then  the  dauphiness,  at  Versailles;  and  surely  never 
lighted  on  this  orb,  which  she  hardly  seemed  to  touch,  a  more  de- 
lightful vision.  I  saw  her  just  above  the  horizon,  decorating  and 
cheering  the  elevated  sphere  she  just  began  to  move  in,  glittering 
like  the  morning  star,  full  of  life,  and  splendor  and  joy. 

"Oh!  what  a  revolution,  and  what  a  heart  must  I  have,  to 
contemplate,  without  emotion,  that  elevation  and  that  fall!  Lit- 
tle did  I  dream,  when  she  added  titles  of  veneration  to  those  of 
enthusiastic,  distant,  respectful  love,  that  she  would  ever  be  obliged 
to  carry  the  sharp  antidote  against  disgrace  concealed  in  that 
bosom;  little  did  I  dream  that  I  should  have  lived  to  see  such 
disasters  fallen  upon  her  in  a  nation  of  gallant  men,  in  a  nation 
of  men  of  honor  and  of  cavaliers.  I  thought  ten  thousand  swords 
must  have  leaped  from  their  scabbards  to  avenge  even  a  look  that 
threatened  her  with  insult.  But  the  age  of  chivalry  is  gone;  that 
of  sophisters,  economists,  and  calculators  has  succeeded;  and  the 
glory  of  Europe  is  extinguished  forever.  Never,  never  more  shall 
we  behold  that  generous  loyalty  to  rank  and  sex,  that  proud  sub- 
mission, that  dignified  obedience,  that  subordination  of  heart,  which 
kept  alive,  even  in  servitude  itself,  the  spirit  of  exalted  freedom. 

"The  unbought  grace  of  life,  the  cheap  defense  of  nations, 
the  nurse  of  manly  sentiment,  and  heroic  enterprise  is  gone.  It 
is  gone,  that  sensibility  of  principle,  that  chastity  of  honor,  which 
felt  a  stain  like  a  wound,  which  inspired  courage,  while  it  miti- 
gated ferocity,  which  ennobled  everything  it  touched,  and  under 
which  vice  itself  lost  half  its  evil  by  losing  all  its  grossness. 

"This  mixed  system  of  opinion  and  sentiment  had  its  origin 
in  the  ancient  chivalry;  and  the  principle,  though  varied  in  its 
appearance  by  the  varying  state  of  human  affairs,  subsisted  and 
influenced  through  a  long  succession  of  generations,  even  to  the 
time  we  live  in. 

"If  it  should  ever  be  totally  extinguished  the  loss,  I  fear, 
will  be  great.  It  is  this  which  has  given  its  character  to  modern 
Europe.  It  is  this  which  has  distinguished  it  under  all  its  forms  of 
government,  and  distinguished  it  in  its  advantage  from  the  states 
of  Asia,  and  possibly,  from  those  states  which  flourished  in  the 
most  brilliant  periods  of  the  antique  world. 


_'()  111  E   KNIGHTS  TKM  IM.AK. 

"It  was  this  which,  without  confounding  ranks,  had  produced 
a  noble  equality,  and  banded  il  down  through  all  the  gradations  of 
social  life.  It  was  this  opinion  which  mitigated  kings  into  com- 
panions, and   raised  private  men  into  fellows  with  kings. 

"Without  force  or  opposition,  it  subdued  the  force  of  pride 
and  power;  it  obliged  sovereigns  to  submit  to  the  soft  collar  of 
social  esteem;  compelled  stern  authority  to  submit  to  elegance; 
and  gave  a  domination  vanquishers  of  laws,  to  be  subdued  by 
manners." 

What  a  beautiful  and  eloquent  tribute  to  chivalry;  but 
let  us  further  quote  from,  and  inspire  your  reverence  for 
chivalry,  the  glowing  words  of  Montague: 

"The  age  of  chivalry  indeed  is  gone.  We  have  piled  away  its 
helmets  and  its  spears;  but  its  blazonry  is  invested  with  a  more 
poetic  charm.  Still  we  love  the  past.  We  love  the  heroic  in 
man's  history,  we  hate  to  divest  it  even  of  its  fictions. 

"The  independence  of  chivalry,  bent  on  the  accomplishment 
of  lofty  ends,  without  calculation  of  chances,  or  fear  of  failure, 
so  generous  in  action,  so  munificent  in  courtesy,  so  frank  in 
friendship,  and  so  gallant  in  danger,  must  ever  have  rare  attrac- 
tions to  the  enthusiastic  and  the  aspiring. 

"There  is  something  peculiarly  delightful  and  exciting  in  those 
stories  which  represent  the  hero  of  the  middle  ages,  loyal  and 
brave,  superbly  mounted,  cased  in  glittering  steel,  surrounded  by 
his  men-at-arms,  and  issuing  forth  from  his  lordly  castle,  in  quest 
of  adventure  or  an  errand  of  love. 

"Who  does  not  love  to  read  of  the  fair  and  haughty  dames, 
encouraging  their  champions  at  the  tilt,  and  rewarding  their  valor 
with  sacred  banners,  worked  with  their  own  hands? 

"Who  does  not  dwell  with  delight  on  the  gorgeous  description 
of  the  tournament,  where  the  place  enclosed  with  sovereigns  and 
bishops  and  barons,  and  all  that  rank  and  beauty  had  ennobled 
among  the  fair,  when  the  combatants,  covered  with  shining  armor, 
and  only  known  by  a  device  or  emblazoned  shield,  issued  forth,  not 
without  danger,  to  win  the  prize  of  valor,  bestowed  by  the  queen 
of  beauty,  amid  the  animated  music  of  the  minstrels  and  the 
shouts   of   the  assembled    multitudes?" 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  2J 

THE  CROSS. 

The  history  of  the  conversion  of  Clonstantine,  com- 
posed by  Caecilius,  declares  that  in  the  night  which  pre- 
ceded the  final  struggle  with  Makentius,  Constantine  was 
admonished  in  a  dream  to  inscribe  the  shields  of  his  soldiers 
with  "the  celestial  sign  of  God,  the  sacred  monogram  of 
the  name  of  Christ ;  that  he  executed  the  commands  of 
heaven,  and  that  his  valor  and  obedience  were  rewarded  by 
the  decisive  victory  that  followed." 

The  Christian  writer,  Eusebius,  gives,  however,  a  dif- 
ferent account  from  that  of  Caecilius.  He  states  that  Con- 
stantine saw  with  his  own  eyes  the  luminous  trophy  of  the 
divine  monogram  placed  above  the  meridian  sun  and  in- 
scribed with  the  following  words:  "En  touto  Nika"  ("By 
this  Conquer"). 

The  appearance  in  the  sky  astonished  the  whole  army 
as  well  as  its  commander,  who  was  yet  undetermined  as  to 
the  choice  of  religion.  But  his  astonishment  was  converted 
into  faith  during  the  following  night,  for  the  Crucified  One 
appeared  before  his  eyes,  and,  displaying  the  same  celestial 
sign,  directed  Constantine  to  make  a  similar  standard,  and 
to  march  under  it,  with  an  assurance  of  victory  against  all 
his  enemies.  The  sacred  banner  or  standard,  which  unques- 
tionably took  its  origin  at  that  period,  was  called  the  La- 
barutu.  It  was  a  long  pike,  intersected  by  a  transverse 
beam.  A  silken  veil  of  a  purple  color,  hanging  down  from 
the  beam,  was  adorned  with  precious  stones,  and  curiously 
inwrought  with  the  images  of  the  reigning  monarch  and 
his  children. 

The  summit  of  the  pike  supported  a  crown  of  gold 
which  enclosed  the  mysterious  monogram,  combining  the 
two  initial  letters  ("X"  and  "P")  of  the  Greek  name  of 
Christ. 


28  Til  E    K\  It,  1 1  IS    TI'.M  PLAR, 

The  safety  of  the  Labarum  was  intrusted  to  a  color- 
guard  ol  fifty  men  of  approved  valor  and  fidelity,  whose 
station  was  marked  with  honors  and  emoluments,  and  such 
superstitious  reverence  surrounded  it  that  the  sight  of  the 
Labarum  in  battle  scattered  terror  and  dismay  through  the 
opposing  forces. 

The  name  Labarum  is  derived  from  lavar,  "a  com- 
mand," in  allusion  to  the  command,  "Conquer,  through  the 
power  i^\  this  Sign !" 

The  cross  adopted  by  Baldwyn  as  the  arms  of  the  king- 
dom of  Jerusalem,  and  since  deemed  a  symbol  of  the  Holy 
Land,  is  also  the  jewel  of  the  Knights  of  the  Holy  Sepul- 
cher,  an  order  that  is  said  to  he  conferred'  in  the  Holy 
Land,  or  in  Jerusalem,  on  Roman  Catholics  of  noble  birth, 
by  the  Reverendissimo  or  Superior  of  the  Franciscans. 

It  was  formerly  given  as  a  Masonic  degree  in  what 
were  called  Councils  of  the  Trinity,  the  next  after  the 
Christian  Mark:  hut  it  is  no  longer  conferred  in  this  coun- 
try, and  may  now  he  considered  as  obsolete  as  far  as  be- 
ing- conferred  as  a  Masonic  degree.  The  name  of  the  cross 
or  jewel  of  this  degree  or  order,  as  adopted  by  Baldwyn. 
is  the  Cross  of  Jerusalem. 

The  Maltese  Cross  is  a  cross  of  eight  points  and  worn 
by  Knights  Templar  as  the  jewel  of  the  Knights  of  Malta. 
'Idie  eight  points  are  said  to  refer  to  the  eight  beatitudes. 
The  Cross  of  Salem  is  an  upright  piece  crossed  by 
three  lines,  the  upper  and  lower  being  shorter  than  the 
middle  one.  It  is  the  insignia  of  the  Grand  Masters  of  the 
Grand  Encampment  of  Knights  Templar  of  the  United 
States,  and  also  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Commander  of 
the  Supreme  Council  of  the  Ancient  Accepted  Scottish  Rite. 
It  is  also  called  the  Pontifical  Cross,  because  it  is  borne 
before  the  Rope. 


HISTORY    OF   OTTAWA    COMMANDERY.  29 

The  Passion  Cross  is  the  most  common  form  of  the 
Cross.  With  rays  issuing  from  the  point  of  intersection 
of  the  limbs,  it  is  the  insignia,  or  jewel,  of  a  Commander 
or  Past  Commander  of  a  Commandery  of  Knights  Tem- 
plar in  the  United  States. 

The  Cross  of  St.  Andrew  is  in  the  form  of  the  letter 
"X,"  and  said  to  he  the  form  of  the  cross  on  which  St. 
Andrew  suffered  martyrdom.  As  he  is  the  patron  saint 
of  Scotland,  this  cross  forms  a  part  of  the  jewel  of  the 
Grand  Master  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Scotland,  which  is 
a  brilliant  star,  having  in  the  center  a  held,  azure,  charged 
with  a  St.  Andrew  on  the  cross  of  gold;  pendent  therefrom 
the  compasses  extended,  with  the  square  and  segment  of 
a  circle  of  90  degrees ;  the  points  of  the  compasses  resting 
on  the  segment.  In  the  center,  between  the  square  and 
compasses,  the  sun  in  full  glory.  This  cross  is  also  the 
jewel  of  the  twenty-ninth  degree  of  the  Ancient  and  Ac- 
cepted Scottish  Rite,  or  Grand  Scottish  Knight  of  St. 
Andrew. 

The  Templar  Cross  is  of  the  same  form  as  the  Maltese 
Cross  with  this  difference:  the  limbs  or  projections  are  not 
notched  like  in  the  form  of  the  Maltese  or  cross  patte. 
Prior  to  1146  the  Templars  wore  a  white  mantle  without 
any  cross,  but  in  that  year  Pope  Eugenius  III.  prescribed 
for  them  a  red  cross  on  the  breast,  as  a  symbol  of  the 
martyrdom  to  which   the}'  were  constantly  exposed. 

The  Teutonic  Cross  has  been  adopted  as  the  jewel  of 
the  Knight  Kadosh  of  the  Ancient  Accepted  Scottish  Kite 
in  the  United  Stales  in  place  of  the  original  jewel  of  the 
degree,  which  was  a  Latin  or  Passion  Cross.  It  is  a  cross 
potent,  sable  (black),  charged  with  another  cross  double 
potent  or  (gold),  and  surcharged  with  an  escutcheon  ar- 
gent (silver),  bearing  a  double-headed  eagle  (sable).  This 
form  of  cross  is  worn  by  the  Teutonic  Knights. 


30  Til  E   KNIGH  IS    I  i:.M  IM.AK. 

THE  CROSS  AS  AN  INSTRUMENT  OF  PUNISHMENT. 

From  the  earliest  period  of  history  until  the  time  of 
Oonstantine  the  Great,  the  nations  of  antiquity  used  the 
cross  as  an  instrument  of  capital  punishment,  and  as  such  it 
was  naturally  looked  upon  with  the  profoundest  horror,  be- 
cause ot  its  close  connection  with  the  ideas  of  pain,  <>\ 
guilt,  of  ignominy,  and  of  death.  It  was  the  usual  mode 
of  punishment  among  the  Syrians,  Jews.  Egyptians,  Per- 
sians, and  especially  the  Carthagenians,  and  it  was  not 
unknown  to  the  Greeks,  as  the  crucifixion  of  2,000  Tyrians 
hv  Alexander,  the  Macedonian,  when  he  carried  by  storm 
the  city  of  Tyre  (33-'  B.  C.  >,  abundantly  testifies.  In 
the  domestic  war  of  the  Jews  (86  B.  C.)  800  men  were 
crucified  in  one  daw  by  order  of  Alexander  Jannaeus.  in 
the  city  of  Jerusalem. 

But  in  no  part  of  the  ancient  world  was  this  punishment 
so  resorted  to  as  in  the  Roman  Empire,  where  under  the 
earl_\-  monarchial  government  it  extended  indiscriminately 
to  every  rank;  hut  later  it  came  to  he  regarded  as  the  mosl 
infamous  of  deaths,  and,  save  in  cases  of  sedition,  was 
indicted  only  on  slaves  and  malefactors  of  the  lowest  class. 
Josephus  gives  in  his  account  of  the  siege  of  and  final  de- 
struction of  Jerusalem  horrifying  details  of  the  crucifixion 
of  numbers  of  wretched  beings  who  escaped  from  the 
misery  of  famine  within  the  city  to  fall  into  this  torture 
outside  of  it.  Malefactors  were  sometimes  fastened  to  a 
simple  upright  stake,  and  so  left  to  die,  or  they  were  im- 
paled upon  it,  and  to  this  upright  stake  the  Latin  name 
crux  was  originally  and  more  strictly  applicable;  hut  very 
generally  a  cross-piece  was  added  to  the  stake,  to  which 
the  arms  of  the  criminal  were  tied,  or  his  hands  and  feet 
were  nailed.  When  the  cross-piece  was  fastened  at  right 
angles  below  the  summit  of  the  upright  stake  the  cross  was 
called  crux  immissa ;  when  the  cross-piece  was  fastened  at 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  31 

right  angles  across  the  top  of  the  upright  stake  it  was 
crux  commissa,  and  when  it  was  formed  of  two  beams 
crossing  one  another  obliquely  it  was  crux  decussata. 

This  peculiar  and  barbarous  mode  of  punishment  was 
continued  until  the  time  of  Constantine  the  Great  (A.  D. 
313),  who.  out  of  respect  for  the  followers  of  Christ, 
whose  cause  he  had  espoused,  after  obtaining  the  victory 
over  Maxentius  through  the  influence,  as  he  believed,  of 
the  sign  of  the  cross,  abolished  its  use  throughout  the 
Roman  world. 

The  cross  as  an  emblem  of  Christianity  and  the  jewel 
of  our  order  is  a  sublime  and  affecting  evidence  of  the 
transformation  from  an  instrument  of  punishment  to  the 
transforming  spirit  of  Christianity  thai  this  token  has  been 
changed  into  an  image  of  light  and  glory,  honor  and  im- 
mortality. How  justly  it  is  called  a  marvelous  light.  It 
gives  eyes  to  the  blind  to  look  in  upon  himself.  Its  energy 
is  beyond  the  force  of  thunder,  yet  it  is  more  mild  than  the 
dew  on  the  tender  grass. 

IN  HOC  SIGNO  VINCES. 
(  )n  the  grand  standard  of  a  Commandery  of  Knights 
Templar  the  words  "In  Hoc  Signo  Vinces"  are  inscribed 
over  a  "blood-red  Passion  Cross,"  and  they  constitute 
in  part  the  motto  of  the  American  branch  of  the  order. 
Their  meaning  is  a  substantial,  but  not  literal,  translation  of 
the  original  Greek  "Eh  touto  Nika."  The  vision  of  Con- 
stantine was  not  a  Passion  Cn>ss.  such  as  now  used  on 
the  modern  Templar  standard,  but  the  monogram  of  Christ 
as  described  on  a  preceding  page.  It  appears  that  if  the 
Knights  Templar  desire  to  retain  the  motto  on  their  ban- 
ner they  should,  for  the  sake  of  historical  accuracy,  dis- 
card the  Passion  Cross  and  replace  it  with  the  Chrono- 
gram or  Cross  of  the  Labarum,  as  described  in  the  vision 
of  Constantine. 


32  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

THE  BEAUSEANT. 
A.  I),  i  [48  the  Templars,  at  the  siege  of  Damascus,  un- 
furled a  white  banner  charged  with  the  Red  Cross.  This 
was  afterwards  replaced  by  the  celebrated  "Beauseant," 
their  war  banner,  one-half  black,  the  other  white,  signify- 
ing their  determination  t<>  conquer  or  to  die — quarter  never 
having  been  asked  or  given.  This  word  was  also1  used 
as  the  war-cry  of  the  order,  and  was  never  heard  but  to 
insure  terror  to  their  foes.  It  bore  the  pious  inscription, 
"Non  nobis.  Domine  non  nobis,  sed  nomini  tuo  da  gloriam." 
This  is,  "Not  unto  us,  O  Lord;  not  unto  us,  but  unto  Thy 
name  give  Glory,"  It  was  the  ancient  Templars'  shout 
of  victory.  The  beauseant  is  the  banner  of  the  Masonic 
order  of  Knights  Templar,  and  until  A.  D.  1892  was  the 
only  banner  or  flag  borne  by  a  Commandery  in  the  United 
States,  at  which  time  your  historian  presented  Ottawa 
Commandery  a  silk  American  tlag,  and  which  has  since 
been  recognized  and  adopted  as  one  of  the  banners  or  flags 
to  be  carried  and  displayed  by  all  Commanderies  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  several  grand  and  subordinate  Com- 
manderies under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Encampment 
of  the  United  States  of  America. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  33 


THY  WILL  BE  DONE. 

Not    in    dumb    resignation 

We   lift  our  hands   on  high; 
Not  like  the  nerveless  fatalist, 

Content  to  trust  and  die. 
Our  faith  springs  like  the  eagle 

That   soars  to   meet  the  sun, 
And  cries  exulting  unto  thee: 

"O   Lord!      Thy   will   be   done!" 

When  tyrant  feet  are  tramping 

Upon   the    common    weal, 
Thou  dost  not  bid  us  cringe  and  writhe 

Beneath  the  iron  heel; 
In  Thy  name  we  assert  our  rights 

With  sword  and  tongue  and  pen, 
And  e'en   the  headman's  ax  may  flash 

Thy  message  unto  men. 

Thy  will!   it  bids  the  weak  be  strong. 

It  bids  the  strong  be  just; 
No  lip  to  fawn,  no  hand  to  beg, 

No  brow  to  seek  the  dust. 
Wherever  man  oppresses  man 

Beneath   Thy  liberal  sun, 
O  God!  be  there,  Thine  arm  made  bare, 

That   righteous  will  be  done. 

— John  Hay. 


34  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 


THE  CRUS  \DF.S. 

The  spirit  of  pilgrimages  to  the  East,  although  not  ab- 
solutely due  to  Helena,  mother  of  Constantine,  was  made 
popular  and  intensified  by  the  imperial  state  in  which  the 
queen-mother  visited  the  lands  of  the  Bible,  A.  D.  326-7, 
and  the  splendid  structures  everywhere  reared,  at  incalcu- 
lable cost,  under  her  direction,  upon  every  spot  marked  in 
the  narrative  of  Jesus. 

She  first  made  it  fashionable  to  go  to  the  Holy  Land. 
as  she  first  enabled  the  tourist  to  identify  the  sacred  Ideali- 
ties, for  her  visits  established  with  accuracy  very  many 
famous  places,  and  set  the  Christian  world  on  foot  to  iden- 
tify others. 

Jerusalem,  whether  in  a  state  of  glory  or  of  abasement, 
has  ever  since  been  held  dear  and  sacred  by  the  Christian. 

As  soon  as  the  people  of  the  West  became  converted 
to  Christianity  they  turned  their  eyes  to  the  East.  From 
the  depths  of  France,  from  the  forests  of  Germany,  from 
all  the  countries  of  Europe,  new  Christians  were  to  be  seen 
hastening'  to  visit  the  cradle  of  the  faith  the}-  had  embraced. 
In  the  early  ages  of  the  church  a  religious  curiosity 
prompted  people  to  visit  those  places  which  the  Scriptures 
have  sanctified;  and  as  perceptible  objects  awaken  asso- 
ciated thoughts  and  feelings,  the  travelers  found  their 
sympathies  stronger,  and  their  devotions  more  fervent  in 
behi  ilding  the  scenes  of  the  ministry  of  the  Divine  Master  than 
simply  reading  the  narrative  of  His  life.  Tt  is  so  to  this 
day.  Many  thousands  of  pilgrims  and  tourists  gather  from 
all  parts  of  the  world  to  visit  the  Hoi}-  Land  and  kneel  at 
the  sacred  places,  to  be  immersed  in  the  swift  waters  of 
the  Jordan,  to  feast  their  eyes  upon  scenes  once  hallowed 
by  the  presence  of  the  Son  of  Man,  and  to  return  home, 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  35 

this  one  romance  of  their  hard  and  proverty-stricken  lives 
gratified. 

When  the  world  was  ravaged  by  the  Goths,  the  Huns, 
and  the  Vandals,  pilgrimages  to  the  Holy  Land  were  not 
at  all  interrupted. 

Pious  travelers  were  protected  by  the  hospitable  vir- 
tues of  the  barbarians,  who  began  to  respect  the  Cross  of 
Christ,  and  sometimes  even  followed  the  pilgrims  to  Jeru- 
salem. In  those  times  of  trouble  and  desolation,  a  poor  pil- 
grim who  bore  his  scrip  and  staff  often  passed  through 
fields  of  carnage  and  traveled  without  fear  and  unmolested 
amidst  armies  which  threatened  the  empires  of  the  East 
and  the  West.  Sometimes  pilgrimages  were  attended  with 
real  danger  and  considerable  cost.  A  service  of  risk  and 
insult  rather  than  certain  death ;  disguise  often  necessary, 
and  contumely  and  privations  always  sure.  Christians 
then  found,  on  the  banks  of  the  Jordan,  that  peace  which 
seemed  banished  from  the  rest  of  the  world.  This  peace, 
which  lasted  several  centuries,  was  not  troubled  until  the 
reign  of  Heraclius,  A.  D.  610-641. 

Under  his  reign  the  armies  of  Chosroes,  King  of 
Persia,  invaded  Syria,  Palestine  and  Egypt.  The  Holy 
City  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  worshipers  of  fire.  The 
conquerors  bore  away  into  captivity  vast  numbers  of 
Christians  and  profaned  the  churches  of  Jesus  Christ.  All 
the  faithful  deplored  the  misfortunes  of  Jerusalem,  and 
shed  tears  when  they  learned  that  the  King  of  Persia  had 
carried  off,  among  the  spoils  of  the  vanquished,  the  Cross 
of  the  Savior,  which  had  been  preserved  in  the  Church  of 
the  Resurrection. 

Heaven,  at  length,  touched  by  the  prayers  and  afflic- 
tions of  the  Christians,  blessed  the  arms  of  Heraclius.  who, 
after  ten  years  of  reverses,  triumphed  over  the  enemies  of 
Christianity  and  the  empire,  and  brought  back  to  Jerusalem 


3<  >  I  M  I     KNIGHTS  TKM  PLAR, 

the  Christians  whose  chains  he  had  broken.  Then  was  to 
be  seen  an  emperor  oi  the  Easl  walking  barefooted  in  the 
streets  of  the  Holy  City,  carrying  on  his  shoulders  to 
Calvary  the  wood  "l  the  true  cross,  which  he  considered 
the  most  glorious  tropin  of  his  victories.  When  Heraclius 
re-entered  Constantinople  he  was  received  as  "the  Libera- 
tor of  the  Christians."  and  the  kings  of  the  West  sent 
ambassadors  to  congratulate  him. 

Among  the  faithful  of  the  West  who  arrived  in  Asia 
in  the  midst  of  the  early  conquests  of  the  Mussulmans,  his- 
tory has  preserved  the  names  of  St.  Arculphus  and  St. 
Ajntonius,  of  Plaisance.  The  latter  had  borne  arms  with 
distinction  when  he  determined  to  follow  the  pilgrims  who 
were  setting  out  for  Jerusalem.  He  traversed  Syria,  Pales- 
tine and  Egypt.  On  his  arrival  on  the  hanks  of  the  Jordan 
Judea  had  not  yet  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  infidels;  but 
the  fame  of  their  victories  already  tilled  the  East,  and  their 
armies  were  threatening"  the  Holy  City. 

Several  years  after  the  pilgrimage  of  St.  Antonius, 
Arculphus,  accompanied  by  Peter,  a  French  hermit,  set  out 
from  the  coast  of  England  bound  for  Syria.  He  remained 
nine  months  at  Jerusalem,  then  under  the  dominion  oi 
the  enemies  of  Christ. 

On  his  return  to  Europe  he  related  what  he  had  seen  in 
Palestine  and  in  all  the  sacred  spots  visited  by  the  Pilgrims 
of  the  West.  The  accounts  of  his  pilgrimage  were  drawn 
up  by  a  Holy  Monk  of  the  Hebrides  for  the  information 
and  edification  of  the  faithful. 

The  Pope,  Victor  111.,  A.  1).  [o88,  died  without  realiz- 
ing his  promise  of  attacking  the  infidels  in  Asia.  The  glory 
of  delivering  Jerusalem  belonged  to  a  simple  pilgrim, 
possessed  of  no  other  power  than  the  influence  of  his  char- 
acter and  his  genius. 

It   was   Peter  the  Hermit  who  gave  the  signal  to  the 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  2)7 

Crusaders;  and  who  without  fortune  and  without  name, 
by  the  ascendancy  of  his  tears  and  prayers  alone,  succeed.- 
ed  in  moving  the  West  to  precipitate  itself  in  a  mass  upon 
Asia.  One  day,  while  Peter  was  prostrate  before  the  Holy 
Sepulcher  at  Jerusalem,  he  believed  that  he  heard  the  voice 
of  Christ  saying  to  him — "Peter,  arise!  hasten  to  proclaim 
the  tribulations  of  my  people;  it  is  time  my  servants  should 
receive  help  and  that  the  holy  places  should  be  delivered." 
Full  of  the  spirit  of  these  words,  which  sounded  unceas- 
ingly in  his  ears,  and  charged  with  letters  from  the  patri- 
arch Simeon,  whom  he  had  met  in  Jerusalem,  and  wept 
with  over  the  ills  of  the  Christians,  he  quitted  Palestine, 
crossed  the  sea,  landed  on  the  coast  of  Italy,  and  hastened 
to  cast  himself  at  the  feet  of  the  Pope. 

The  chair  of  St.  Peter  was  then  occupied,  A.  D.  1088, 
by  Urban  II.,  who  had  been  the  disciple  and  confidant  of 
both  Gregory  and  Victor.  Urban  embraced  with  ardor  a 
project  which  had  been  entertained  by  his  predecessors; 
he  received  Peter  as  a  Prophet,  applauded  his  design,  and 
bade  him  go  forth  and  announce  the  approaching  deliver- 
ance of  Jerusalem.  The  people  followed  the  footsteps  of 
Peter  in  crowds.  The  preacher  of  the  Holy  War  was  re- 
ceived everywhere  as  a  messenger  from  God.  They  who 
could  touch  his  vestments  esteemed  themselves  happy,  and 
a  portion  of  hair  pulled  from  the  mule  he  rode  upon  was 
preserved  as  a  holy  relic.  At  the  sound  of  his  voice  dif- 
ferences in  families  were  reconciled,  the  poor  were  com- 
forted,   the   debauched    blushed   at    their   errors. 

A  council  of  the  most  renowned  holy  men  and  learned 
doctors  assembled  at  Clermont,  in  Auvergne.  in  Novem- 
ber, A.  D.  1095.  The  city  was  scarcely  able  to  contain 
within  its  walls  all  the  princes,  ambassadors,  and  prelates 
who  had  repaired  to  the  council,  so  that  towards  the  mid- 
dle of  the  month   of  November  the  cities  and    villages  oi 


$8  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 


.1 


the  neighborhood  were  so  filled  with  people  that  they  were 
compelled  to  erect  tents  and  pavilions  in  the  fields  and 
meadows,  although  the  season  and  the  country  were  ex- 
tremely cold.  The  council  held  its  tenth  sitting  in  the 
great  square  or  place  of  Clermont,  which  was  soon  tilled 
with  an  immense  crowd.  Followed  by  his  cardinals,  the 
Pope  ascended  a  species  of  throne  which  had  been  prepared 
for  him.  At  his  side  was  Peter  the  Hermit,  clad  in  that 
whimsical  and  uncouth  garb  which  had  everywhere  drawn 
upon  him  attention  and  the  respect  of  the  multitude. 

Peter  addressed  the  multitude,  and  while  describing 
the  misfortunes  and  degradation  of  the  Christians,  the 
countenance  of  Peter  was  cast  down,  and  exhibited  feel- 
ings of  consternation  and  horror;  his  voice  was  choked 
with  sobs,  and  lively  emotion  penetrated  every  heart.  The 
Pope  then  addressed  the  people,  and  in  his  peroration  at 
the  close  addressed  himself  to  all  the  nations  represented 
at  the  council,  and  particularly  to  the  French,  who  formed 
the  majority:  "Nation  beloved  by  God."  said  he.  "it  is  in 
your  courage  that  the  Christian  church  has  placed  its  hope. 
It  is  because  I  am  well  acquainted  with  your  piety  and  your 
bravery  that  I  have  crossed  the  Alps  and  am  come  to 
preach  the  word  of  God  in  these  countries.  You  have  not 
forgotten  that  the  land  which  you  inhabit  has  been  invaded 
by  the  Saracens,  and  but  for  the  exploits  of  Charles  Martel 
(A.  D.  J3-?)  and  Charlemagne  (A.  D.  768-800)  France 
would  have  received  the  laws  of  Mohammed.  Recall  with- 
out ceasing  to  your  minds  the  dangers  and  glories  to  your 
fathers.  Led  by  heroes,  whose  names  shall  never  die. 
they  delivered  your  country,  they  saved  the  West  from 
shameful  slavery.  More  noble  triumphs  await  you,  under 
the  guidance  of  the  God  of  armies.  You  will  delivei 
Europe  and  Asia  :  and  you  will  save  the  city  of  Jesus  Christ 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  39 

— that  Jerusalem  which  was  chosen  by  the  Lord,  and  from 
whence  the  law  is  to  come  to  us." 

When  Urban  had  ceased  to  speak  loud  acclamations 
hurst  forth  from  the  multitude.  To  every  class  of  the  com- 
munity the  Crusades  became  the  great  business  of  life — 
the  only  real  business — all  things  else  were  playthings  for 
children. 

Immense  armies  were  soon  raised  throughout  Europe. 
It  was  a  motly,  heterogeneous  and  most  unmilitary  crowd, 
from  which  the  dross  had  to  be  skimmed  off.  The  zealous 
Peter  the  Hermit,  as  fit  for  the  mad  hospital  as  any  of 
them,  figured  at  the  head  of  that  oddest  of  columns,  in 
his  woolen  gown  and  with  cowl  and  sandals,  riding-  jovially 
that  same  she-mule  which  had  carried  him  over  all  Europe, 
England  included. 

The  preachings  of  Peter  the  Hermit  and  the  exhorta- 
tions of  Pope  Urban  forthwith  aroused  Christendom. 
Europe  was  armed  and  precipitated  upon  Asia.  The  Turk- 
ish power  was  broken.  The  Christian  provinces  of  the 
Greek  empire  of  Constantinople  were  recovered  from  the 
grasp  of  the  infidels ;  and  the  Latin  kingdom  of  Jerusalem 
was  reared  upon  the  ruins  of  the  Turkish  empire  of  Sul- 
tan Soliman.  The  monastic  and  military  Order  of  the 
Temple  was  then  called  into  existence  for  the  purpose  of 
checking  the  power  of  the  infidels,  and  fighting  the  battles 
of  Christendom  on  the  plains  of  Asia.  Suggested  by  fanat- 
icism, as  Gibbon  observes,  but  guided  by  an  intelligent 
and  far-reaching  policy,  this  order  became  the  firmest  bul- 
wark of  Christianity  in  the  East,  and  mainly  contributed 
to  preserve  Europe  from  Turkish  desolation,  and  proba- 
bly from  Turkish  conquest. 

At  this  distant  day.  when  the  times  and  scenes  in  which 
the  Templars  acted  are  changed,  and  the  deep  religious 
fervor  and  warm  fresh  feelings  of  bygone  ages  have  given 


_p  III  E  KNIGHTS  TKM  I'l.Ak, 

way  to  cold  and  calculating  philosophy,  we  may  doubt  the 
sincerity  of  the  military  friars,  exclaim  against  their  credu- 
lity, and  deride  their  zeal.  But  when  we  call  to  mind  the 
hardships  and  fatigues,  the  dangers,  sufferings  and  death, 
to  which  they  voluntarily  devoted  themselves  in  a  far  dis- 
tant land,  the  sacrifice  of  personal  comforts,  of  the  ties  of 
kindred,  and  of  all  the  endearments  of  domestic  life,  which 
they  made  without  any  prospect  of  worldly  gain  or  tem- 
poral advantage,  for  objects  which  they  believed  to  lie  just, 
and  noble,  and  righteous,  we  must  ever  rank  the  generous 
impulses  by  which  they  were  actuated  among'  the  sublime 
emotions  which  can  influence  the  human  character  in  those 
periods  when  men  feel  rather  than  calculate,  before  knowl- 
edge has  chilled  the  sensibilities,  or  selfish  indifference 
harden  the  heart.  How  can  any  one  he  indifferent  to  their 
nobleness,  whose  soul  has  been  touched  by  this  recorded 
lament  over  a  deceased  knight:  "Thou  wert  never  matched 
of  none  earthly  knight's  hand.  And  thou  wert  the  courte- 
ousest  knight  that  ever  bare  a  shield.  And  thou  wert  the 
truest  friend  to  thy  lover  that  ever  bestrode  a  horse.  And 
thou  wert  the  truest  lover  of  a  sinful  man  that  ever  loved 
a  woman.  And  thou  wert  the  kindest  man  that  ever  struck 
with  sword.  And  thou  wert  the  goodliest  person  that  ever 
came  among  press  of  knights.  And  thou  wert  the  meek- 
est man  and  the  gentlest  that  ever  ate  in  hall  with  ladies. 
And  thou  wert  the  sternest  knight  to  try  mortal  foe  that 
e\  er  put  spur  in  the  rest." 

List  of  Popes  from  A.  1).   [088  to  A.  D.  131'': 

Urban  II.,  1088;  promoted  first  crusade,  1096  to  1099. 

Pascal  II..  1099. 

Gelasius  II.,  1118. 

Calixtus  II.,  11 19. 

Honorius  II.,  1124. 

Innocent  II.,  1130. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  41 

Celestine  II.,  1 143. 

Lucius  II.,  1 144. 

Eugenius  III.,   1145;  promoted  second  crusade,   1146. 

Anastasius   IV .,    1  1  53. 

Adrian  IV.,    1 154. 

Alexander   III.,    1 159. 

Lucius  III.,   1 181. 

Urban  III.,    1  185. 

Gregory  VIII.,   1187. 

Clement  III.,    11X7;  promoted  third  crusade,    1  iSS. 

Celestine  III.,   1  191  ;  promoted  fourth  crusade,  [195-7. 

Innocent  III.,  1198;  promoted  fifth  crusade,    1  198. 

Honorius  III.,  1216. 

Gregory  IX.,   1227;  promoted  sixth  crusade,   1228. 

Celestine  IV.,  1241. 

Innocent  IV.,   1243;  promoted  seventh  crusade. 

Alexander  IV.,   1254. 

Urban  IV.,   1261. 

Clement  IV.,   1265;  promoted  eighth  and  last  crusade. 

Gregory  X.,   1271. 

Innocent  V.,  Adrian  V.,  Vicedominus,  John  XX..  1276. 

Nicholas  III..  1277. 

Martin  IV.,  1281. 

Honorius  IV.,  1285. 

Nicholas  IV.,   1288. 

Celestine  V.,   Boniface  VI II.,    1294. 

Benedict  XL,    1303. 

Clement  V.,   1305. 

John  XXII. ,  1316. 


42  I'll  K   KNIGHTS  TKM  1M.AU, 


THE  VINE  OF  KINDNESS. 

Over  a   winding,   wayside  wall, 

Ragged  and  rough  and  gray, 
There  crept  a  tender,  clinging  vine, 

Tireless  day  by  day. 
At  last  its  mantle  of  softest  tint 

Covered  each  jagged  seam; 
The  struggling  wall,  half  broken  down, 

Became,  with  that  leafy,  tinted  crown, 

Fair  as  an  artist's  dream. 

Oh,  for  the  kindness  that  clings  and  twines 

Over  life's  broken  wall. 
That  blossoms  above  the  scars  of  pain, 

Striving  to  hold  them  all! 
Oh,  for  the  helpful,   ministering  hands, 

Beneficent,  willing  feet. 
That  spreads  rich  mantels  of  tender  thought 
O'er  life's  hard  places,  till  time  has  wrought 

It's  healing — divine,  complete. 

— Christian  Advocate. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  43 


THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR  OF  THE 
MIDDLE  AGES. 

There  is  no  subject  more  calculated  to  excite  the  in- 
terest, and  arouse  the  imagination  of  a  member  of  our 
order,  than  a  reference  to  the  history  of  the  Knights  Temp- 
lar of  the  middle  ages.  Never  in  the  history  of  the  world 
has  any  body  of  men,  united  for  a  common  object  by  a 
secret  tie,  attracted  more  romantic  interest  than  the  order  of 
Knights  Templar  during  the  middle  ages,  whose  prowess 
demands  our  admiration,  and  whose  cruel  persecution  en- 
lists our  warmest  sympathy. 

Is  it  any  wonder  that  Modern  Knighthood  or  the 
Knights  Templar  of  the  twentieth  century  proudly  boast 
of  their  descent  from  the  old-time  knighthood  of  history, 
whose  valiant  soldiers  delivered  the  holy  sepulcher  from 
"Moslem  caitiff's  and  infidel  hounds,"  whose  religion  was 
a  religion  of  motives,  a  religion  of  the  heart,  the  affections, 
the  emotions,  the  feelings,  rather  than  the  intellectual  ac- 
ceptance of  a  system  of  doctrines,  or  the  adherence  to  a 
logical  and  carefully  defined  dogmatic  belief? 

As  written  by  an  eminent  divine,  William  Stevens 
Perry  320,  Bishop  of  Iowa,  they  were  influenced  by  no 
hope  of  fee  or  reward,  with  no  selfish  expectations  or  care 
for  personal  aggrandizement,  the  flower  of  chivalry  went 
forth  to  defend  and  uplift  the  cross  and  wield,  in  the  serv- 
ice of  the  Christian  faith,  the  swords  that  had  been  belted 
around  each  neophite  when  the  vows  of  knighthood  were 
first  uttered  by  lips  sanctified  by  their  reception  of  the 
sacrament  of  redemption.  Inspired  by  this  pure  and  holy 
devotion,  the  annals  of  Christian  knighthood  abound  in  in- 
stances of  heroic  constancy,  even  unto  death. 

It  is  with  pride  we  recall  the  heroism  of  that  illustri- 


44  'I'll  E  KNIGHTS  TI..M  PL  \K. 

ous,  valiant  and  magnanimous  knight,  Renaud  de  Chatil- 
lon,  Grand  Master  of  the  Templars,  who  scorned,  when  in 
captivity,  to  purchase  life  on  condition  of  apostacy  from 
the  Christian  faith,  and  was  beheaded  by  the  hand  of  Sala- 
din.  We  cannot  forget  the  constancy  and  devotion  of  the 
crowd  of  knights  of  the  two  orders,  Templars  and  St.  John, 
who  joyously  accepted  martyrdom  at  the  executioners' 
hands  in  prison,  rather  than  renounce  their  faith  in  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Gladly  do  we  record  the  daring  of 
Jakaline  de  Mailliacus,  that  heroic  Knight  Templar,  who, 
on  the  advance  of  Saladin  into  Palestine,  in  a  battle  near 
Tiberiod,  rushed  boldly  into  the  midst  of  the  Saracens,  one 
against  a  thousand,  because,  as  the  old  chronicler  is  proud 
to  tell  us,  "Mori  Pro  Christo  Non  Timuit" — he  feared  not 
to  die  for  Christ. 

Such  was  the  religious  enthusiasm  of  those  valiant  men 
who>c  proudest  boast  was  to  he  "a  true  knight  and  servant 
of  Jesus  Christ." 

Of  the  religion  of  chivalry  he  further  said  that  it  was 
not  merely  a  blind  and  superstitious  acceptance  of  priestly 
teachings  and  ecclesiastical  rites.  There  was  then,  as  now, 
symbolism  in  the  ritual  and  observances  of  knighthood. 
There  was  then,  as  now.  dogmatic  teachings  hreathed  into 
the  strained  ear.  by  prelate  or  priest,  amidst  the  solemn 
accessories  of  initiation  and  adoption  into  the  brotherhood 
of  Christion  knights;  these  teachings  then,  as  now,  brought 
out,  with  startling  clearness  and  with  no  uncertain  sound, 
the  great  historic  truths  relating  to  the  life  and  life-work 
of  the  Son  o\   Cmd  when  here  on  earth. 

The  religion  n\  chivalry  was  founded  on  the  teachings 
of  the  incarnation  and  the  atoning  death  upon  the  cross  of 
Christ. 

In  the  words  of  the  [ntroid  for  Tuesday  in  holy-week, 
sting  in  sweet  and  solemn  cadences  in  every  preceptory  or 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  45 

chapel  of  the  Templars,  as  the  commemoration  of  the  great 
day  of  atonement — the  Good  Friday  of  the  Church  Uni- 
versal of  Christ — drew  nigh,  prelate,  priest  ant  I  knight 
united  with  consenting  voice:  "We  ought  to  glory  in  the 
cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  whom  is  our  salvation, 
life  and  resurrection;  by  whom  we  have  been  saved  and 
delivered." 

These  knights  of  old  may  not  have  been  familial-  with 
the  folios  patristic  theology  burdening  the  shelves  ot  the 
scantv  libraries  of  their  day;  but  they  knew  and  believed 
and  lived  the  legend.  "Non  est  sains  animas,  nee  spes 
aeternae  vitae.  nisi  in  cruce,"  there  is  no  health  in  the  soul, 
nor  hope  of  eternal  life,  save  in  the  cross.  They  may  have 
known  or  cared  little  for  the  theories  of  the  philosophers 
or  the  teachings  of  the  schoolmen,  but  they  wore  the  blood- 
red  cross  upon  their  hearts;  it  entered  into  their  very  lite 
and  soul;  they  fought  and  died  under  the  blazonry  of  the 
symbol  of  our  redemption.  Their  legend  was  that  of  the 
churches'  earlier  days  of  triumph,  "In  Hoc  Signo  Vinces." 

Sir  David  Brewster  says  in  Alex.  Lawries'  History  of 
Free  Masonry,  published  in  Edinburg,  Scotland,  A.  D.  1804, 
that  when  chivalry  made  its  first  appearance  the  moral  and 
political  condition  of  Europe  was  in  every  respect  deplor- 
able. The  religion  of  Jesus  existed  only  in  name.  A  de- 
grading superstitition  had  usurped  its  place,  and  threatened 
ruin  to  the  reason  and  the  dignity  of  man.  The  political 
rights  of  the  lower  orders  were  sacrificed  to  the  interests 
of  the  great. 

War  was  carried  on  with  savage  cruelty,  equalled 
only  by  the  sanguinary  contentions  of  the  beasts  of  prey; 
no  elemenev  was  shown  to  the  vanquished;  no  humanity  to 
the  captive.  The  female  sex,  even,  were  sunk  below  their 
natnral  level;  they  were  doomed  to  the  most  laborious  oc- 
cupations, and  deserted  and  despised  by  that  very  sex  on 


46  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

whose  protection  and  sympathy  they  had  so  natural  a 
claim. 

To  remedy  these  disorders  a  few  intelligent  and  pious 
men  formed  an  association,  whose  members  swore  to  de- 
fend the  Christian  religion,  to  practice  the  Christian  vir- 
tues, to  protect  widows  and  orphans,  and  the  weaker  sex, 
and  to  decide  judically,  and  not  by  arms,  any  disputes  that 
might  arise  about  their  good  effects. 

It  was  from  this  association,  undoubtedly,  that  chivalry 
arose,  and  not,  as  some  think,  from  the  public  investure 
with  arms.  But,  whatever  was  the  origin,  chivalry  pro- 
duced a  considerable  change  in  the  manners  and  sentiments 
of  the  great.  It  could  not,  indeed,  eradicate  that  ignorance 
and  depravity  which  engendered  those  awful  evils  that  we 
have  enumerated.  Until  the  breaking  out  of  the  present 
great  European  war.  it  was  supposed  to  have  softened  the 
ferocity  of  war,  and  to  have  restored  the  fair  sex  to  that 
honorable  rank  which  they  should  possess,  and  which  at  all 
times  they  are  entitled  to  hold. 

It  has,  notwithstanding,  inspired  sentiments  of  gener- 
osity, sympathy,  and  friendship,  which  contributed  much 
toward  the  civilization  of  the  world  and  the  perpetuity  of 
the  Christian  religion,  and  introduced  that  principle  of 
honor  which  often  checks  the  licentious,  when  moral  and 
religious  considerations  would  make  no  impression  on 
their  minds.  Such  was  the  origin  of  chivalry,  and  such 
the  blessings  which  it  imparted. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  47 


CRUSADERS  FOR  THE  TRUTH. 

The  lance  is  rusting  on  the  wall, 

No  laurel  crowns  are  wove; 
And  every  Knightly  strain  is  hushed 

In  castle,  camp  and  grove. 

No  manly  breast  now  fronts  the  spear, 
No  strong  arm  waves  the  brand, 

To  vindicate  the  rightful  cause, 
Or  stay  oppression's  hand. 

The  minstrel  pilgrimage  has  ceased; 

Chivalric  days  are  o'er, 
And  fiery  steeds  bear  noble  men 

To  Palestine  no  more. 

Rejoice  in  beauty  more  than  gain; 

Guard  well  the  dreams  of  youth, 
And  with  devoted  firmness  true 

Crusaders  for  the  truth! 


48  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 


THE  ANCIENT  ORDER  OF  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR. 

Tins  mighty  brotherhood  was  founded  nineteen  years 
after  the  capture  of  Jerusalem,  by  nine  of  the  Crusaders: 
Hugo  de  Payens,  Godfrey.de  St.  Omer,  Rural,  Gondemar, 
Godfrey  Bisol,  Payens  de  Montidier,  Archibald  de  St. 
Aman,  Andrew  de  Montbar,  and  Count  de  Provence.  They 
called  themselves  "Poor  fellow  soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ," 
and  their  object  was  the  protection  of  pilgrims  on  their 
way  through  the  passes  and  defiles  of  the  mountains  to  the 
Holy  City.  In  the  Church  of  the  Resurrection  they  took 
their  vows  before  Garimont,  the  patriarch,  of  Jerusalem, 
and  bound  themselves  to  live  according  to  the  rule  of  the 
canons  i  if  St.  Augustine. 

This  organization  or  order  was  perfected  in  the  year 
A.  I),  i  i  i(S,  and  received  the  title  of  Knights  Templar,  lie- 
cause  of  having  camped  near  the  temple  or  church  in  Jeru- 
salem which  was  dedicated  to  our  Savior.  This  site  for 
a  habitation  was  given  the  Knights  Templars  by  Baldwyn, 
in  consequence  of  the  services  they  had  rendered  the  Chris- 
tians and  pilgrims  to  the  Holy  Land. 

The  kind  of  poverty  adopted  by  the  Templars  was  that 
termed  "media."  It  forbade  the  possession  of  individual 
property,  but  sanctioned  any  amount  of  wealth  when 
shared  by  a  fraternity  in  common.  The  king  and  his  barons 
contributed  to  their  support,  and  the  abbot  and  canons  of 
the  temple  assigned  them,  for  the  keeping  of  their  arms 
and  ammunition,  the  street  between  it  and  the  royal  palace; 
and  within  a  few  years  the  white  mantle  bearing  a  red  cross 
became  the  distinguishing  costume  of  the  Templars. 

Hugo  de  Payens  was  chosen  the  first  "Master  of  the 
Temple"  in  A.  I).  [  1 1 8,  and  the  Order  was  enriched  with 
many  land  grants  and  money,  in  consequence  of  his  visit 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  49 

to  Normandy,  England,  and  Scotland,  in  A.  D.  1128.  In 
this  year  a  great  ecclesiastical  council  was  assembled  at 
Troves,  which  Hugo  de  Payens  and  his  brother  were  in- 
vited to  attend,  and  the  rules  of  the  Templars  being  there 
described,  St.  Bernard,  the  abbot  of  Clairvaux,  undertook 
the  preparation  of  a  code  of  statutes,  proper  for  the  gov- 
ernment of  this  great  religious  and  military  fraternity. 
These  statutes  were  subsequently  confirmed  by  a  papal  bull, 
and  became  the  rule  of  the  order. 

Before  his  departure  Hugo  de  Payens  placed  a  knight 
at  the  head  of  the  order,  who  was  called  the  Prior  of  the 
Temple,  and  was  the  procurator  and  vicegerent  of  the  mas- 
ter. It  was  his  duty  to  manage  the  estates  of  the  fraternity, 
and  transmit  its  revenues  to  Jerusalem.  He  was  delegated 
with  the  power  of  admitting  members,  subject  to  the  con- 
trol and  direction  of  the  Master,  and  providing  means  for 
their  transport  to  the  far  East,  to  fulfill  the  duties  of  their 
profession. 

As  the  Order  increased  in  England  "sub-priors"  were 
appointed,  and  the  superior  was  then  called  "Grand  Prior," 
and  afterwards  "Master  of  the  Temple." 

Brother  Odo  de  St.  Amand  was  appointed  seventh 
Grand  Master  of  the  Templars  upon  the  resignation  of 
the  king,  Philip  de  Naples,  A.  D.  11 70. 

During  the  rule  of  Odo  the  bull  of  Pope  Alexander, 
"Onine  Datum  Optimum,"  A.  D.  1172,  confirming  the 
privileges  of  the  Templars,  and  granting  them  additional 
ones,  was  published  in  England.  Amongst  other  things,  it 
permitted  the  Templars  to  admit  into  their  fraternity  "hon- 
est and  good  clergymen  and  priests,"  but  exacted  a  proba- 
tion of  one  year,  and  required  that,  on  their  admission,  an 
oath  be  administered,  "the  book  in  which  these  things  are 
contained  being  placed  upon  the  altar."  It  styled  Odo  de 
St.  Amand  the  master  and  bishop. 


50  Til  E    K  NIC,  |  ll'S  TKM  I'l.  \k, 

lii  A.  I ).  i  i  ~2  the  Templars  conquered  the  Assassins, 
and  forced  their  chief,  "the  Old  Man  of  the  Mountain," 
in  purchase  peace. 

In  the  battle  near  Ascalon,  on  November  i.  A.  D. 
i  177,  in  which  the  infidels  were  defeated,  Odo,  with  eighty 
knights,  broke  through  the  famous  guard  of  Mamlooks, 
slew  their  commander,  and   forced  Saladin  to  fly. 

In  the  following  year,  at  the  battle  of  Jacob's  ford, 
where  there  was  much  hard  fighting,  the  Master  of  the 
Hospital  having  lied,  covered  with  wounds,  and  the  Count 
of  Tripoli  also,  the  Templars  were  all  killed  or  taken  pris- 
oners, and  the  Master,  Odo  de  St.  Amand,  fell  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy.  Saladin  burned  down  the  fortress, 
and  all  the  Templars  taken  in  the  place,  except  the  most 
distinguished,  were  sawn  in  two.  Saladin  offered  Odo  his 
liberty,  in  exchange  for  the  ransom  of  his  own  nephew, 
who  was  a  prisoner  in  the  hands  of  the  Templars,  htit  the 
haughty  Templar  replied  that  he  would  newer  by  his  ex- 
ample encourage  any  of  his  knights  to  surrender;  that  a 
Templar  ought  either  to  vanquish  or  to  die;  and  that  he 
had  nothing  to  give  tor  his  ransom  but  his  girdle  and  his 
knife.  It  was  one  of  the  rules  of  the  order  that  a  knight 
should  give  nothing'  of  more  value  than  his  girdle  and  his 
knife  as  a  ransom.  The  proud  spirit  of  the  Grand  Master 
could  htit  ill-brook  confinement,  and  Odo  de  St.  Amand 
languished  and  died  in  the  dungeons  of  Damascus. 

The  Templars  first  established  the  chief  house  of  the 
order  in  England,  without  Holborn  Bars,  London,  adjoin- 
ing the  present  site  of  Southampton  buildings;  but  subse- 
quently purchased  the  site  of  the  property  now  known  as 
the  Temple.  It  was  then  called  the  "New  Temple,"  as 
distinguished  from  the  original  in  Holborn.  At  the  New 
Temple  they  erected  a  monastic  establishment,  on  a  scale  of 
grandeur  commensurate  with   the   dignity  and  importance 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  5 1 

of  the  chief  house  of  the  religio-military  society  of  the 
Temple  in  Britain;  and  the  Temple  church  was  consecrated 
on  the  [oth  of  February,  A.  I),  i  1S5.  by  the  patriarch  He- 
raclius  of  Jerusalem. 

The  order  rapidly  increased  in  wealth  and  power.  Ac- 
cording to  Mathew  Paris,  the  Templars  possessed  nine 
thousand  manors  in  Christendom,  besides  a  large  revenue, 
and  immense  riches  arising"  from  pious  persons.  Each 
house  of  the  order  had  a  prior  at  its  head,  and  each  pro- 
vince was  governed  by  a  Grand  Prior,  who  represented  the 
Grand  Master.  The  Grand  Prior  of  England  sat  in  Parlia- 
ment as  a  baron  of  the  realm.  In  every  country  in  Europe 
the  liberality  and  piety  of  princes  and  nobles  had  augment- 
ed the  treasuries  and  enlarged  the  possessions  of  the  Temp- 
lars. In  A.  I).  [  185  their  revenues  in  England,  as  given 
by  Dugdale,  will  convey  some  idea  of  the  wealth  of  this 
great  fraternity,  their  entire  annual  income  being  then 
estimated  at  not  less  than  six  millions  sterling.  In  every 
province  they  possessed  churches  and  chapels,  the  number 
of  which,  in  the  year  A.  D.  1240,  is  said  to  have  been  as 
man}-  as  one  thousand  and  fifty. 

The  Knights  of  St.  John,  under  the  gallant  Raymond 
Dupuis,  engaged  in  many  successful  military  undertakings 
in  support  of  Baldwin  111.,  and  the  church  and  hospital  of 
St.  John  attained  to  great  magnificence.  There  was  scarcely 
a  noble  house  in  Europe  of  which  some  scion  did  not  bear 
the  white  cross  upon  his  breast,  and  the  name  of  Hos- 
pitaller of  St.  John  had,  during  these  eventful  vears,  be- 
come the  synonym  for  every  chivalric  and  martial  virtue. 
In  the  year  A.  D.  11 60  the  venerable  Raymond,  aged  80 
years,  died  at  the  hospital  of  St.  John  at  Jerusalem, 
whither  he  had  retired  to  rest  from  the  turmoil  and  strife 
of  upwards  of  half  a  century  of  constant  warfare,  during 
which  the  order  attained  its  prominent  position  amidst  the 


5 2  T 1 1  E  KNIGHTS  TEM  TLAR, 

chivalry  of  Europe.     The  order  of  St.  John  obtained  great 

distinction  and  importance  in  England,  and  the  priory  of 
Clerkenwell  was  consecrated  in  A.  I).  [185.  Expeditions 
in  Egypt  had  engaged  the  fraternity  during  several  years, 
and  in  A.  D.  1179  a  truce  was  signed  between  the  great 
Saladin  and  the  Christians,  but  which  even  then  promised 
only  a  temporal")-  duration:  for  within  a  short  period  Sala- 
din was  again  in  the  field,  and  a  series  of  disastrous  com- 
bats closed  with  the  capitulation  of  Jerusalem  in  A.  D. 
1  187.  The  order  of  St.  John,  now  much  reduced  in  num- 
bers as  well  as  in  wealth,  established  itself  in  the  town  of 
Margat,  and  there  continued  those  charitable  duties  which, 
in  its  most  prosperous  days,  had  never  been  forgotten. 

We  now  hud  the  military  orders  engaged  in  the  siege 
and  reduction  of  Acre,  though  this  advantage  did  not  lead 
to  any  further  successes  by  the  Christian  arm}'. 

In  A.  1).  [237  three  hundred  knights  left  the  priory  at 
Clerkenwell  for  the  wars  of  the  Holy  Land;  subsequently 
they  were  engaged  against  the  Korasmins,  and  defeated 
them.  Disputes  arose  between  the  Hospitallers  and  Temp- 
lars, and  in  A.  1).  [259  the  whole  force  of  the  fraternities 
met  in  a  general  engagement.  Victory  favored  the  Hospi- 
tallers and  scarcely  a  Templar  was  left  to  survive  the  fatal 
day. 

In  the  year  A.  I).  [259  Hugh  de  Revel  was  nominated 
Master  of  the  Hospitallers,  and  received  from  Pope  Cle- 
ment IV.,  by  bull,  dated  November  [8,  A.  I).  1  j0~,  the 
title  of  Grand  Master,  by  which  distinction  the  head  of 
the  fraternity  was  always  afterwards  known.  New  wars 
arose  with  the  infidels,  which  resulted  in  the  loss  of  Mar- 
gat in  A.   D.    [287,  when  the  garrison  retired  to  Acre. 

Fortress  after  fortress  fell  before  the  victorious  forces 
of  die  Saracens,  until  the  banner  of  the  cross  waved  only 
on  the   walls  of  Acre.     Of  the  magnificence  of  that  city 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  53 

tradition  paints  a.  gorgeous  and  romantic  picture,  but  the 
riches  of  the  East,  the  luxuries  of  art,  and  the  vices  of  ease 
and  indolence,  combined  with  the  heterogeneous  nature  of 
its  thronged  inhabitants,  fostered  the  growth  of  wicked- 
ness and  demoralization  until,  "like  Sodom  of  old,  the  cry 
(if  it  bad  gone  up  unto  the  Lord,  and  its  doom  had  been 
declared." 

Acts  of  outrage  had  been  perpetrated  by  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Acre  upon  neighboring  Moslems,  and  the  Sultan 
Mansour  demanded  reparation.  The  Grand  Masters  o\ 
both  military  orders  requested  a  compliance  with  this  re- 
quest, but  was  refused,  and  the  Sultan  commenced  an  ex- 
pedition against  the  city,  which  was.  upon  his  death,  con- 
tinued by  his  son  Khaled,  and,  before  overwhelming  num- 
bers, the  last  bloody  act  of  the  drama  was  consummated  by 
the  fall  of  Acre.  The  small  relic  of  the  order  of  St.  John 
then  quitted  the  shores  of  that  land  which  bad  so  long- 
been  the  scene  of  its  deeds  of  charity,  as  well  as  the  theatre 
of  its  renown,  and.  in  the  darkness  i)\  grief  and  sorrow, 
turned  its  steps  to  the  island  of  Cyprus.  Here,  in  the  town 
of  Limisso,  the  Knights  of  St.  John  found  another  home, 
and,  for  the  fourth  time,  re-established  their  hospital. 

Idle  Templars  reoccupied  Jerusalem  in  the  year  A.  D. 
124  1 ,  when  the)',  with  the  Hospitallers,  emptied  their  treas- 
uries in  rebuilding  its  walls.  The  city,  however,  was  again 
abandoned  in  A.  D.    1244. 

In  England  King  John  was  resident  at  the  Temple 
when  be  was  compelled  by  bis  barons  to  sign  Magna  Char- 
ter. The  order  in  England  exercised  a  magniheient  hospi- 
tality, and  constantly  entertained  kings,  princes,  and  the 
distinguished  nobles  of  the  land  at  the  Temple.  After  the 
loss  of  Acre  the  Templars  also  retired  to  Cyprus,  where, 
at  Limisso,  the  Grand  Master.  Gaudini,  died,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded in  A.  D.   1295  by  Brother  Jaques  de  Molay,  of  the 


54  'I'll  E  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

family  of  the  Lords  of  Longvic  and   Kaon,  in   Burgundy. 

This  illustrious  brother  was  at  the  head  of  the  English 
province  at  the  period  of  his  election  to  the  dignity  of 
Grand  Master.  Jn  A.  D.  [299  the  Templars  joined  the 
Tartar  forces,  and,  after  defeating  the  army  of  the  Sultans 
of  Damascus  and  Egypt,  and  the  reduction  of  Aleppo, 
Hems,  Damascus,  and  other  cities,  once  again  entered 
Jerusalem.  The  illness  of  Casar  Cham,  the  Emperor  of 
the  Mogul  Tartars,  subsequently  deprived  the  Templars 
n!  the  Tartar  forces,  and,  with  their  consequent  retirement 
again  to  Limisso,  ended  the  dominion  of  the  order  in 
Palestine. 

A  dark  day  at  last  dawned  upon  the  fortunes  of  the 
Templars.  Europe  became  jealous  of  them;  disputes  arose 
between  the  clergy  and  the  order;  their  moneys  were 
seized  by  Edward  I.,  of  England;  they  incurred  the  hatred 
of  Philip  le  Bel  of  France,  and,  on  the  13th  of  October, 
A,.  D.  1307,  all  the  Templars  in  France  were  simultane- 
ously arrested.  Their  persecutions  were  of  the  most  cruel 
and  barbarous  crimes  of  the  most  unparalleled  and  dreadful 
character  being  invented,  and  charged  against  the  frater- 
nity, in  all  countries  participating  in  their  oppression.  The 
persecution  of  the  order  appears  to  have  been  especially 
vigorous  in  France,  and,  although  the  example  set  by 
Philip  was  followed  by  other  sovereigns,  they  were  mostl) 
satisfied  with  plunder,  without  the  terrible  and  tragic  addi- 
tion of  the  stake. 

The  persecutions  of  the  Templars  continued  unabated 
for  some  years,  and  on  the  [8th  day  of  March.  A.  D. 
[313,  Jaques  de  Molay,  the  last  Grand  Master  of  the 
original  constitution  or  Ancient  Order  of  the  Templars, 
with  four  other  distinguished  brethren,  were  brought  from 
their  imprisonment  of  nearly  six  years,  and  burned  at  the 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  55 

stake  at  the  Isle  de  la  Cite,  Paris,  near  the  spot  where  now 
stands  the  equestrian  statue  of  Henry  IV. 

Space  does  not  here  permit  a  detail  of  the  cruelties  prac- 
ticed against  the  members  of  this  grand  and  chivalric  order, 
whose  only  crimes  of  pride  and  wealth  have  been  long-  ob- 
literated from  the  page  of  history  by  the  stains  of  their 
persecution  and  blood. 

This  mournful  scene  extorted  tears  from  the  lowest  of 
the  vulgar.  Valiant  knights,  whose  charity  and  valor  had 
procured  them  the  gratitude  and  applause  of  mankind, 
suffering  without  fear  the  most  cruel  and  ignominious 
death,  was,  indeed,  a  spectacle  well  calculated  to  excite 
emotions  of  pity  in  the  hardest  hearts,  and  whatever  opin- 
ion we  may  entertain  concerning  the  character  of  that 
unhappy  order  every  mind  of  sensibility  will  compassion- 
ate the  fate  of  the  Templars  and  curse  the  inhuman  policy 
of  Philip  the  Fair. 

LIST  OF  GRAND  MASTERS  OF  THE  ANCIENT  ORDER  OF 
KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR. 

I.  Hugh  de  Payens ;  installed  February  15,  11 13;  died 
1  136. 

_'.  Robert  ^\  Burgundy  (Lord  Robert  de  Crayon); 
installed   1  1  30. 

3.  Ecerard  de  Barres  (De  Barri)  ;  installed  114O;  ab- 
dicated 1151.  and  devoted  his  life  to  penance  and  mortifica- 
tion. 

4.  Bernard  de  Tremelay  (Trenellape)  ;  installed  1151; 
killed  in  the  battle  of  Ascalon,  1153.  An  illustrious  Sir 
knight,  a  valiant  and  experienced  soldier. 

5.  Bertrand  de  Blanquefort  (Blanchefort)  ;  installed 
1154;  died  June   iq.   1  [56.     A  pious  and  God-fearing  man. 

6.  Philip  de  Naplous  (Philip  of  Nablous)  ;  installed 
1  1(7:  abdicated  in    1170.      Me  was  the  first  Grand   Master 


56  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPJ    \K. 

born  in  Palestine.     He  resigned  great  possessions,  and  be- 
came a  Templar  after  the  death  of  his  wife. 

7.  Odo  de  St.  Amand;  installed  1170;  died,  in  captiv- 
ity, [179.  A  proud  and  fiery  warrior,  of  undaunted  cour- 
age and  resolution. 

8.  Arnold  de  Torroge  (Torrage,  or  Troye)  ;  installed 
[180;  died,  on  a  visit  to  Europe,  1184.  Had  filled  some 
of  the  chief  situations  of  the  order. 

9.  Gerard  de  Riderfort  (Rjiderford  or  Ridefort)  ;  in- 
stalled 1 185;  killed  in  the  battle  of  Acre,  October  4,   [189. 

10.  Walter  ;  installed  1189. 

it.  Robert  de  Sable  (Sabloil,  or  Sabboil,  or  Sab- 
laeus)  :  installed  1 191. 

12.  Gilbert  Horal  (Erail,  or  Gralius)  ;  installed  111)4. 

13.  Philip  Duplessies  (De  Plesseis,  or  Du  Plessis)  ; 
installed   1201  ;  died   12 17. 

14.  William  de  Chartres  (Carnota.)  ;  installed  1217: 
died  in  Egypt   1217. 

15.  Peter  tie  Montaigu  (Thomas  de  Montagu);  in- 
stalled 1 2 18. 

16.  Hermann  de  Perigord  (Herman  Petragorius)  :  in- 
stalled 1233;  killed  in  the  battle  of  Gaza,  1244. 

17.  William  de  Sonnac;  installed  1247;  killed  in  the 
battle  of  Damietta,  1249. 

18.  Reginald  de  Yichier  (  Yieherius )  :  installed  1251; 
died  1257. 

19.  Thomas  Berard  (Beraud)  ;  installed  1257:  died  at 
Acre  1273. 

20.  William  de  Beaujen;  installed  1273:  killed  in  bat- 
tle, at  Acre,  1291. 

21.  Theobald  Gaudin  (De  Gaudini,  or  Gaudinius) ; 
installed   129]  ;  died  T295. 

22.  James  de  Molay  (Jacques  de  Molai)  ;  installed 
[295;  burned   at   the  stake,  at  Paris.    T313.      Allison   says 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  $7 

18th   March,   1313.     Some  authors   nth  of  March,    1313. 
Mackey  nth  of  March,  13 14. 

As  to  the  continuation  of  the  order  after  the  death  of 
Molay  there  is  a  diversity  of  opinions  among  the  historians. 
Their  connection  with  the  Masonic  Knights  Templar  is 
said  to  have  been  derived  through  four  sources,  which 
would  therefore  make  as  many  divisions  of  the  order: 

First — The  Templars  who  claim  John  Mark  Larmenius 
as  the  successor  of  Molar,  from  which  spring  the  Tem- 
plars of  France,  who  claim  their  legitimacy  by  authority 
of  a  charter  given  to  Larmenius  by  Molay.  From  this 
charter  sprang  the  French  Templars,  and  in  which  body 
the  Duke  of  Sussex  was  knighted  and  received  authority  to 
establish  a  Grand  Conclave  in  England,  which  he  did  hut 
never  held  but  one  conclave.  The  theory  of  the  Duke  or 
Orleans  and  his  accomplice.  Father  Bonani,  an  Italian 
Jesuit,  was  (and  the  theory  is  still  maintained  by  the  order 
at  Paris),  that  when  Molay  was  about  to  suffer  at  the 
stake,  he  sent  for  Larmenius,  and  in  prison,  with  the  con- 
sent and  approbation  of  such  knights  as  were  present,  ap- 
pointed him  his  successor,  with  the  right  of  making  a 
similar  appointment  before  his  death.  On  the  death  oi 
Molay  Larmenius  accordingly  assumed  the  office  of  Grand 
A  Taster,  and  ten  years  after  issued  a  charter,  transmitting 
his  authority  to  Theobaldus  Alexandrinus,  by  whom  it 
was  in  like  manner  transmitted  through  a  long  line  of 
Grand  Masters,  a  list  of  which  is  in  our  possession  carrying 
same  down  to  1840,  with  Sir  William  Sidney  Smith  as 
Grand  Master.  The  succession  to  the  Grand  Mastership 
fell  to  Fahre  Palaprat,  who  attested  as  Grand  Master  in 
1804. 

The  Order  of  the  Temple,  under  Fabre  and  his  col- 
leagues, began  now  to  assume  high  prerogatives  as  the  only 


58  III  i:   K  \  [GHTS  TI'.M  I'l.AK, 

representative  of  ancient  Templarism.  The  Grand  Master 
was  distinguished  by  the  high  sounding  titles  of  "Most 
Eminent  Highness,  Very  Great,  Powerful,  and  Excellent 
Prince,  and  Most  Serene  Lord."  It  still  claims  to  be  the 
only  tme  depository  of  the  powers  and  privileges  of  the 
Ancient  Order  of  ECnights  Templar,  and  denounces  all 
others  as  spurious,  notwithstanding  the  genuineness  of  its 
authority  is  questioned  and  pronounced  a  forgery  by  many 
Masonic  historians. 

LIST  OF  GRAND  MASTERS,  ACCORDING  TO  THE  FRENCH 
SYSTEM,   FROM   A.   D.   1313  TO   1S40. 

John  Mark  Larmenius,  1313. 

Thomas    Theobald    Alexandrinus ;     otherwise     Francis 
Thomas  Theobald,  13.24. 
Arnold  de  Braque,  1340. 
John  de  Claremont,   1340. 
Bertrand  du  Guesclin,   1357. 
John  Arminiacus,  1381. 
Bernard   Arminiacus.    1392. 
John  Arminiacus,   T419. 
John  de  Croy,    1451. 
Bernard  Embault,  147-. 
Robert  Lenoncourt,   147S. 
Galeatius  de  Salazar,   [497. 
Philip  Chabot,   [516. 
Gasperd  de  Galtiaco  Tavanensis,  1544. 
Henry  de  Montmorency.   1574. 
Charles  de  Valois,   [615. 
James  Ruxellius  de  Granceio,    [651. 
James  Henry,  Due  de  Duras,  1681. 
Philip,    Duke  of  Orleans,    1705. 
Louis  Augustus  Bourbon,   1724. 
Louis  Henry  Bourbon  Conde,  1737. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  59 

Louis  Francis  Bourbon  Conty,   1741. 

Louis  Hercules  Timoleon,  Due  de  Cosse  Brissac,   1776. 

Claude  M.  R.  Chevillon,  1792. 

Bernard  Raymund  Fabre  Palaprat,   1804. 

Sir  William  Sidney  Smith,   1838;  died,   1840. 

Second — The  Templars  who  recognize  Peter  d'Aurriont 
as  the  successor  of  IMolay  and  who  claim  that  d'Aumont 
tied  with  several  Knights  Templar  into  Scotland  and 
sought  refuge  with  the  fraternity  of  Free  Masons. 

This  legend  is  closely  connected  with  Andrew  Michael 
Ramsey's  tradition,  who  claimed  that  all  Free  Masons 
were  Knights  Templar,  in  fact,  that  Free  Masonry  sprang 
from  Templarism. 

Alexander  Laurie  holds  to  this  theory. 
The  Chapter  of   Clermont,   organized  by  Chevalier  de 
Bonneville,  Nov..  1754,  in  Paris,  adopted  the  Templar  sys- 
tem, which  had  heen  created  in  Lyons,  in    1743.  after  the 
reform  of  Ramsey. 

This  chapter  conferred  the  three  degrees  of  Symbolic 
Masonry,  Knights  of  the  Eagle,  Illustrious  Knights  Temp- 
lar, and  Sublime  Illustrious  Knight  and  other  high  Ma- 
sonic degrees,  grades  and  orders.  Baron  Hund  received 
the  high  degrees  in  this  chapter  and  from  them  conceived 
the  Rite  of  Strict  Observance,  a  modification  of  Masonry, 
based  on  the  Order  of  Knights  Templar,  which  he  intro- 
duced in  Germany  in  1754.  Hence,  we  have  from  de  Au- 
mont  the  Scottish  Templars  in  Scotland  and  the  Kile  of 
Strict  Observance,  or  German  Templar  Masonry,  which 
since  1776  has  heen  known  as  the  "United  German  Lodges." 

Third — Those  Templars  who  derive  their  Templarism 
from  Count  Beaujen,  the  nephew  of  Molay,  and  member  of 
the  Order  of  the  Knights  of  Christ,  the  name  assumed  by 


60  ill  I.   KNIGHTS  Tl'.M  l'LAR, 

the  Templars  of  Portugal,  and  had  authority  from  that 
order  to  disseminate  the  orders.  It  is  said  that  he  intro- 
duced the  order  into  Sweden,  where  he  incorporated  it  with 
Free  Masonry.  Therefore  the  Templar  Masons  of  Sweden 
claim  their  descent  from  Beaujen  and  the  Swedish  Rite 
through  this  source  is  a  Templar  system. 

Fourth — Those  Templars  who  claim  an  independent 
origin  and  refuse  to  recognize  the  authority  of  either  of 
the  three  or  of  Larmenius,  Aumont  or  Beaujen. 

There  are  two  subdivisions  ^i  this  class  of  Templars, 
the  Scotch  and  the  English.  Scotland  and  England  were 
the  only  countries  in  which  the  independent  Templars 
found  a  foothold,  and  Scotland  the  only  country  in  which 
Templars  were  not  persecuted. 

The  Scottish  preceptories  continued  to  exist  long  after 
the  dissolution  <^\~  the  order  in  every  other  European  coun- 
try. 

One  portion  of  the  Scotch  Templars  entered  the  army 
of  Robert  Bruce  and  were  merged  in  the  Royal  Order  of 
Scotland  by  him  after  the  battle  of  Bannockburn.  Another 
portion  of  the  Scotch  Templars  united  with  the  Knights 
Hospitallers  of  St.  John. 

Many  of  them  embraced  the  Protestant  faith.  Some  ^\ 
them  united  with  the  Free  Masons  and  established  "The 
\ncient  Lodge'*  at  Sterling,  where  they  conferred  the  de- 
grees of  Knight  of  the  Sepulcher,  Knight  of  Malta  and  , 
Knights  Templar.  The  Masonic  Templars  of  Sooly^wr 
are  said  to  have  descended  from  that  body  called  the  "Bald- 
win Encampment,"  or  from  one  of  the  four  co-ordinate  en- 
campments of  London.  Bath,  York  and  Salisbury,  which, 
it  is  claimed,  were  formed  by  members  of  the  preceptory 
which  had  long  existed  at  Bristol,  and  on  the  dissolution 
of  their  order  are  supposed  to  have  united  with  the  Free 
Masons. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  6 1 

The  Baldwin  Encampment  claims  to  have  existed 
from  "time  immemorial."  Historians  have  traced  it  back 
long  enough,  in  fact,  to  priority  over  all  other  English  En- 
campments, and  it  is  from  this  division  of  Knights  Templar, 
whose  forefathers  fled  for  security  into  the  Lodges  of  Free 
Masonry,  the  Knights  Templar  of  the  United  States  and 
Great  Britain  owe  their  origin. 

While  there  is  a  similarity  in  the  ritualistic  and  cere- 
monial forms  of  the  priories  of  Great  Britain  and  her  de- 
pendencies with  those  of  commanderies  working  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Encampment  of  the  United 
States  there  is  a  difference  in  the  two  systems  in  other 
respects.  In  fact,  the  system  adopted  in  the  United  States 
is  different  from  not  only  that  of  Great  Britain  hut  from 
all  other  countries  where  the  order  exists. 

The  governing  bodies  of  Great  Britain  and  her  depend- 
encies are:  "The  Great  Priory  of  the  United  Orders  of  the 
Temple  and  of  St.  John  of  Jerusalem,  Palestine,  Rhodes 
and  Malta  in  England  and  the  colonies  and  dependencies 
of  the  British  Crown;  The  Great  Priory  of  the  United  Ma- 
sonic Orders  of  the  Temple  and  Malta  in  Ireland  and  the 
colonies  and  dependencies  of  the  British  Crown;  The  Great 
Priory  of  the  Religious  and  Military  Order  of  the  Tem- 
ple in  Scotland  and  the  colonies  and  dependencies  of  the 
British  Crown;  and  the  Sovereign  Great  Priory  of  Cana- 
da." Each  body  presided  over  by  a  Great  Prior.  Sub- 
ordinate bodies  are  called  preceptories  and  presided  over 
by  a  prior. 

The  requirements  of  a  candidate  for  the  above  orders 
are  that  he  must  have  been  a  "Royal  Arch  Mason  and  a 
Master  Mason  of  two  years  standing,  and  to  profess  a 
belief  in  the  Holy  and  Undivided  Trinity,  while  in  the 
United  States  candidates  for  the  Order  of  the  Temple  are 
required  to  hold  membership   in  both  lodge  and  chapter, 


62  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

yet  there  is  no  time  limit  as  to  when  they  may  apply  for 
the  Templar  orders,  and  instead  of  being  subscribers  to  a 
beliei  in  the  "Holy  and  Undivided  Trinity''  they  subscribe 
to  a  "firm  belief  in  the  Christian  Religion."  The  require- 
ments as  to  professing  a  belief  in  the  Holy  and  Undivided 
Trinity  was  eliminated  from  the  requirements  at  the  for- 
mation of  the  Grand  Encampment  of  the  United  States  in 
[81 6. 

The  Order  of  the  "Red  Cross''  is  not  embraced  in 
that  of  the  English,  European,  or  Canadian  preceptories, 
as  it  is  in  this  country  in  our  Commanderies.  The  legend 
of  the  order  dates  far  anterior  to  the  Christian  era,  in  the 
reign  of  Darius,  and  has  no  analogy  with  the  chivalric  or- 
ders of  knighthood.  It  is  called  in  Great  Britain  the  Baby- 
lonish   Pass,  taken    from  a    Persian  legend. 

The  Red  Cross,  however,  is  permitted  to  he  communi- 
cated in  Canadian  preceptories  in  order  to  qualify  our 
Canadian  fraters  to  visit  our  commanderies  on  this  side  of 
the  border.  There  has  been  much  speculation  among  Ma- 
sonic authors  as  to  when  this  degree  or  order  first  made  its 
appearance  in  our  American  commanderies. 

It  is  mentioned  in  the  diploma  which  is  relied  upon  to 
establish  the  Templar  degrees  or  orders  by  St.  Andrews 
lodge,  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  in  1783.  It  is  not 
enumerated  among  the  degrees  conferred  upon  Bro.  Wil- 
liam Davis,  in  St.  Andrews  Royal  Arch  Lodge,  Boston,  in 
[769;  hut  in  1707.  however,  that  body  "voted  that  the 
Knights  of  the  Red  Cross,  by  Brother  Benjamin  Hurd, 
Jr.,  he.  and  they  are  hereby,  permitted  to  make  their 
records  in  the  hook  of  the  chapter,"  a  privilege  that  was 
not  availed  of.  Boston  council  was  established  in  the  year 
1802,  and  King"  Darius  council,  of  Portland,  in  1805,  and 
thereafter  the  degree  seems  to  have  keen  regularly  worked. 

It  is  generally  agreed  by  Masonic  authors  and  writers 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  63 

that  it  was  manufactured  by  Thomas  Smith  Webb  from 
the  Knight  of  the  East  or  Sword,  Knight  of  the  East  and 
West,  of  the  Ancient  and  Accepted  Scottish  Rite. 

At  the  Thirty-Second  Triennial  Conclave  of  the  Grand 
Encampment,  at  Denver,  [913,  the  committee  on  foreign 
relations  reported  as  follows:  "Your  committee  on  foreign 
relations  has  the  honor  to  report  that  most  amicable  and 
fraternal  relations  exist  between  the  Grand  Encampment 
of  the  United  States  and  the  various  Great  Priories  of 
England  and  Wales,  of  Scotland,  of  Ireland,  and  of  the 
Dominion  of  Canada.  Each  of  these  bodies  has  accepted 
the  Concordat  of  1910  as  binding  upon  it  in  its  relations 
to  other  governing  bodies  of  the  Order  of  the  Temple, 
and  that  peace  and  harmony  exist  between  the  Orders  of 
Christian  Knighthood  throughout  the  world." 


<>4  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 

The  Knights  of  Malta  was  a  fraternity  of  Hospitallers, 
which  afterwards  became  a  military  society,  instituted  upon 
the  motives  of  charity,  and,  prompted  by  a  zeal  for  the  de- 
fense ot  the  holy  land,  to  take  up  arms  against  the  in- 
fidels; an  order,  which,  amidst  the  noise  and  clashing  of 
swords,  and  with  a  continual  war  upon  their  hands,  was 
capable  of  joining  the  peaceful  virtues  of  religion  with 
the  most  distinguishing  courage  in  the  held. 

This  order,  which  at  various  times  in  the  progress  of 
its  history  received  the  names,  of  Knights  Hospitallers. 
Knights  of  St.  John  of  Jerusalem,  Knights  of  Rhodes,  and. 
lastly.  Knights  of  Malta,  owes  its  origin  to  the  Hospital- 
lers of  Jerusalem,  which  was  established  at  Jerusalem,  in 
1048,  by  pious  merchants  of  Amalfi,  when  the  city  was  in 
the  possession  of  the  Mohammedans,  hut  lived  to  see  the 
Hoi)-  City  conquered  by  the  Christian  Knights.  It  then 
received  many  accessions  from  the  Crusaders,  who.  laying 
aside  their  anus,  devoted  themselves  to  the  pious  avocation 
of  attending  the  sick.  It  was  then  that  Gerard,  the  Rec- 
tor of  the  Hospital,  induced  the  brethren  to  take  upon 
themselves  the  vows  of  poverty,  obedience,  and  chastity,  and 
clothed  themselves  in  the  habit  of  the  order,  which  was  a 
plain  black  robe  hearing  a  white  cross  of  eight  points  on  the 
left  breast.     This  was  in  the  year    moo- 

In  1  1  iS  Gerard  died  and  was  succeeded  by  Raymond 
du  Puy,  when  the  peaceful  habits  and  monastic  seclusion 
of  the  Brethren  of  the  Hospital,  which  had  keen  fostered 
by  Gerard  no  longer  suited  the  warlike  genius  of  his  suc- 
cessor, who  changed  the  character  of  the  order  by  which  it 
became  a  military  order,  devoted  to  active  labors  in  the 
fields  and  the  protection  of  Palestine  from  the  encroach- 
ments of  the  infidels. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  65 

Baldwin  1 1.,  King  of  Jerusalem,  who  had  been  harr'assed 

by  a  continual  warfare,  gladly  accepted  this  addition  to 
his  forces.  The  order  being  thus  organized  on  a  military 
basis,  the  members  took  a  new  oath,  at  the  hands  of  the 
Patriarch  of  Jerusalem,  by  which  they  bound  themselves 
to  defend  the  cause  of  Christianity  against  the  infidels  in 
the  Holy  Land  to  the  last  drop  of  their  blood,  but  on  no 
account  bear  arms  for  any  other  purpose.  This  act,  done 
in  1 1 18,  is  considered  the  beginning  of  the  establishment 
of  the  Order  of  Knights  Hospitaller  of  St.  John,  of  which 
Raymond  du  Puy  is,  by  all  historians,  deemed  the  first 
Grand  Master.  The  history  of  the  Knights  from  this 
time  until  the  middle  of  the  sixteenth  century  is  but  a 
chronicle  of  continued  warfare  with  the  enemies  of  the 
Christian  faith.  When  they  lost  Jerusalem  to  Saladin,  in 
1 187,  they  retired  to  Margat,  a  town  and  fortress  of  Pales- 
tine, which  still  acknowledged  the  Christian  sway.  In  1191 
they  made  Acre,  which  in  that  year  had  been  captured  by 
the  Christians,  their  principal  place  of  residence.  With 
varied  success,  in  sanguinary  contests  with  Saracens  and 
other  infidel  hordes,  for  one  hundred  years,  Acre,  their  last 
stronghold  in  the  Holy  Land,  fell  beneath  the  blows  of  the 
victorious  Moslems,  Syria  was  abandoned  by  the  Latin 
race  and  the  Hospitallers  found  refuge  in  the  Island  of 
Cyprus,  where  they  established  their  convent.  On  account 
of  heavy  taxes  and  other  rigorous  exactions  by  the  king 
the  Hospitallers  became  so  disgusted  that  they  determined 
to  seek  some  other  residence.  On  the  5th  of  August, 
1 3 10,  the  island  of  Rhodes  became  the  prize  of  the  con- 
quering forces  of  the  order,  and  the  Knights  of  St.  John 
here  established  themselves,  and  fortified  their  stronghold 
with  those  great  defenses  which  attest  at  this  day  the  archi- 
tectural and  engineering  skill  of  the  brethren  of  the  Hos- 
pital. 


66  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

For  two  hundred  and  twelve  years  the  Knights  of  St. 
John  made  their  home  in  the  Island  of  Rhodes,  when,  in 
1522,  it  was  besieged  with  overwhelming  force  by  the 
great  Solyman,  and.  on  the  26th  of  December  in  that  year, 

fell  after  one  of  the  most  memorable  defenses  in  the  records 
of  warfare;  a  defense  which  shed  glory  on  the  defeated, 
and  excited  the  admiration  of  Europe.  On  the  night  of 
January  1,  [523,  they  hade  adieu  to  Rhodes  and  found 
refuge  in  Candia. 

In  the  year  1530,  by  grant  dated  the  24th  of  May,  the 
Emperor  Charles  Y.  of  Spain  bestowed  on  the  Knights  of 
St.  John  the  Island  of  Malta,  where  they  arrived  on  the 
26th  of  October  following,  and  from  this  period  they  were 
commonly  known  as  the  "Knights  of  Malta."  In  1505 
Malta  sustained  a  powerful  siege  by  the  Turks,  the  heroic 
and  successful  defense  of  the  Knights,  under  their  brave 
Grand  Master  La  Yallette,  adding  new  lustre  to  the  bril- 
liant achievements  for  which  their  career  had  been  so  dis- 
tinguished. In  Malta  the  Knights  expended  vast  treasure, 
and  displayed  great  skill  in  raising  those  wondrous  forti- 
fications which  remain  an  imperishable  record  of  their  en- 
ergy and  perseverance.  The  beautiful  church  of  St.  John, 
with  the  tombs  and  heraldic  insignia  of  the  Knights,  as 
well  as  the  armory  and  cemetery,  and,  not  least,  the  library 
of  records  of  the  order,  renders  this  stronghold  a  place  of 
the  greatest  interest  to  the  antiquary  and  historian. 

For  268  years  the  order  retained  possession  of  the 
Island  of  Malta.  In  1798  it  was  surrendered  without  a 
struggle  by  Louis  de  Homepesch,  the  imbecile  and  pusil- 
lanimous Grand  Master,  to  the  French  army  under  Bona- 
parte: and  this  event  may  he  considered  as  the  beginning 
of  the  end  of  the  order  as  an  active  power.  The  great 
body  of  the  order  proceeded  to  Russia,  where  the  Emperor 
Paul   had    a    few    years   before   been   proclaimed   the   pro- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  6j 

tector  of  the  order.  On  the  27th  of  October,  1798,  a 
chapter  of  such  of  the  Knights  as  were  in  St.  Petersburg 
was  held,  and  the  Emperor  Paul  I.  was  elected  Grand 
Master.  We  will  not  dwell  further  on  a  detailed  history  of 
this  order,  as  the  real  history  of  the  order  ends  with  the 
disgraceful  capitulation  of  Malta  in  1798.  All  that  has 
since  remained  of  it  is  but  the  diluted  shadow  of  its  former 
existence.  The  propriety  of  the  Order  of  Knight  of  Malta 
being  an  appendant  to  the  Order  of  the  Temple  has  been 
derided  by  such  writers  as  Dr.  Mackey.  The  Knights  of 
St.  John  of  Jerusalem,  sometimes  called  the  Knights  Hos- 
pitallers, and  Knights  of  Malta,  on  the  dispersion  of  the 
Knights  Templar,  by  Philip  the  Fair,  of  France,  in  the 
year  A.  D.  13 13,  were  the  beneficiaries  of  this  dispersion 
in  that  they  were  the  recipients  of  whatever  revenues  and 
possessions  that  were  saved  from  the  spoliations  after  the 
despersion  of  the  Templars  that  had  belonged  to  the  un- 
fortunate Knights  Templar.  It  seems  that  there  had  al- 
ways been  a  bitter  rivalry  between  the  two  orders,  marked 
by  unhappy  contentions,  which  on  some  occasions,  while 
both  were  in  Palestine,  amounted  to  actual  strife.  The 
Templars  never  felt  nor  expressed  a  very  kindly  feeling 
towards  the  Knights  of  St.  John  or  Knights  of  Malta, 
and  since  they  accepted  of  an  unjust  appropriation  of  their 
goods  and  treasure  in  the  hour  of  disaster,  keenly  added 
to  the  sentiment  of  ill-well,  and  the  unhappy  children  of 
De  Molay,  as  they  passed  from  the  theater  of  knighthood, 
left  behind  them  the  bitterest  imprecations  on  the  disciples 
of  the  Hospital.  Dr.  Mackey  says  that  the  attempt  at  this 
day  to  make  a  modern  Knight  Templar  accept  initiation 
into  a  hated  and  antagonistic  order  is  lamentable  and  dis- 
plays an  ignorance  of  the  facts  of  history.  The  Order  of 
St.  John  or  Knights  of  Malta  never  were  connected  with 
Free  Masonry;  on  the  contrarv  they  seem  to  have  been  in- 


68  1  1 1  I .   K  X IGHTS  TEM  PLAR, 

imical  to  Free  ^Masonry  from  their  actions  when  in  Malta. 
The}-  never  adopted  a  secret  ceremony  like  the  Free  Ma- 
sons and  Rnigffts  Templar,  their  ceremonies  being  always 
open  and  public  in  the  reception  rites. 

A  third,  and  perhaps  the  best,  reason  for  rejecting  the 
Knights  of  Malta  as  an  appendant  to  the  Order  of  the 
Temple  is  to  be  found  in  the  fact  that  the  order  still  exists, 
with  however  hut  few  in  membership,  and  in  somewhat 
decayed  condition,  and  that  its  members  claim  an  unin- 
terrupted descent  from  the  Knights  who,  with  Homepesch, 
left  the  Island  of  Malta  in  1797,  and  threw  themselves 
under  the  protection  of  Paul  of  Russia,  utterly  disclaim  any 
connection  with  Free  Masonry,  and  almost  contemptuously 
repudiate  the  so-called  Masonic  branch   of  the  order. 

In  1856  the  Grand  Encampment  of  Knights  Templar 
of  the  United  States,  being  convinced  that  the  incorpora- 
tion of  the  Order  of  Malta  with  the  Knight  Templar,  and 
making  the  same  person  the  possessor  of  both  orders,  was 
absurd  and  a  violation  of  all  historic  truth,  at  its  ses- 
sion at  Hartford  that  year  had  the  order  stricken  from  the 
constitution;  but  at  the  session  of  the  Grand  Encampment 
at  Columbus,  Ohio,  in  1862.  it  was  again  restored  and  is 
now  provided  with  a  full  form  and  a  short  form  ritual, 
the  full  form  being  seldom  used.  The  short  form  con- 
stitutes the  Scripture  readings  and  the  modes  of  recogni- 
tion and  is  required  to  be  communicated  to  the  neophyte 
before  he  shall  be  permitted  to  subscribe  to  the  by-laws  of 
the  Commanderv  and  become  a  member  thereof.  The 
full  form  ceremonial  is  a  beautiful  and  impressive  lesson. 
Your  historian,  when  Commander  of  Ottawa  Commandery 
in  1886-7.  ,,n  two  or  three  occasions,  conferred  the  Order 
of  Knights  of  Malta  in   full   form  and  ceremony. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  6() 


SEXTENNIAL. 

BY  FAY  HEMPSTED, 
Poet  Laureate  of  Free  Masonry. 

Is  it  the  lees  of  life,  and  nothing  more, 

When  the  years  have  come  to  the  triple  score? 

Is  it  only  the  close  of  a  winter's  day, 

Where  the  sunshine   fades   in   the  west  away? 

It  is  only  the  tip  of  the  mountain  crest, 

Where  the  lingering  rays  of  the  sunlight  rest; 

And  where,  through  the  mists  of  the  past  are  seen 

The  ghosts  of  the  joys  that  once  have  been; 

While  down   in   the   valley,  far  below. 

Lie  the  graves  of  the  things  of  long  ago? 

Nay,  nay.     Not  that.     For  he  who  holds 

By  the  simple  faith  that  the  world  enfolds, 

Finds,  unto  life's  last,   feeblest  spark, 

That  the  daylight  far  exceeds  the  dark; 

That  the  seasons  bring,  as  they  glide  away, 

More  days  of  brightness  than  days  of  gray; 

That  the  spring  gives  place,  in  its  varied  moods, 

To  the  mellowing  tints  of  the  autumn  woods; 

And  stars  come  out  in  the  evening  air, 

Which  we  fail  to  see  in  the  noonday  glare. 

And  here,  as  I  backward  turn  mine  eye, 
O'er  the  faded  days  that  behind  me  lie. 
How  like  a  flitting  glimpse  appears, 
The  vista  made  by  these  sixty  years! 
Gone;   and  forever.     Beyond  recall, 
Each  deed  for  itself  to  stand  or  fall, 
In  the  eyes  of  Him  who  judgeth  all. 

But   yet  we  cling  to  the  firmer  hope 
That  each  will  be  seen  in  its  wider  scope: 
And  out  of  His  mercy  we  be  hailed 
With  a  large  allowance  where  we  failed. 

As  the  day  dies  out  in  a  golden  gleam, 
And  the  red  west  glows  with  its  parting  beam; 
So  would  I,  friends,  when  it  comes  my  lot, 
Wish  to  depart  thus  calmly,  and  not 
As  the  old  year  passes,  sad  and  slow, 
Wrapped  in  the  shroud  of  the  winter's  snow; 
But  the  rather  in  twilight,  fair  and  clear. 
Where  the  quivering  discs  of  the  stars  appear. 
May  20,  1915. 


7<>  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR   AND  FREE  MASONS- 
RELATIONSHIP  TO  EACH  OTHER. 

There  is  a  difference  of  opinion  manifested  by  Ma- 
sonic historians  as  to  the  origin  of  the  relationship  existing 
between  the  Knights  Templar  and  Free  Masons.  Laurie 
in  his  History  of  Free  Masonry,  published  in  Edinburg, 
Scotland,  A.  I).  1804.  says:  The  connection  between  chiv- 
alry and  Free  Masonry  is  excellently  exemplified  in  the 
fraternity  of  the  Knights  Templar.  It  is  well  known  that 
this  association  was  an  order  of  chivalry,  that  the  Templars 
performed  its  ceremonies,  and  were  influenced  by  its  pre- 
cepts, and  we  have  already  shown  that  the  same  associa- 
tion was  initiated  into  the  mysteries,  was  regulated  by  the 
maxims,  and   practiced  the  rites  of  Free  Masonry. 

Before  leaving  this  subject,  says  Laurie,  it  may  be  in- 
teresting- to  some  readers,  and  necessary  for  the  satisfac- 
tion of  others,  to  show  in  what  manner  the  Knights 
Templar  became  depositaries  of  the  Masonic  mysteries. 
Almost  all  the  secret  associations  of  the  ancients  either 
flourished  or  originated  in  Syria  and  the  adjacent  coun- 
tries. It  was  here  that  the  Dionysian  artists,  the  Essenes, 
and  the  Kasideans  arose.  From  this  country  also  came 
several  members  of  that  trading-  association  o\  Masons, 
which  appeared  in  Europe  during  the  dark  ages;  and  we 
are  assured,  that,  notwithstanding-  the  unfavorable  condi- 
tion of  that  province,  there  exists  at  this  day,  on  Mount  Li- 
banus,  one  of  those  Syrian  fraternities. 

As  the  order  of  the  Templars,  therefore,  was  originally 
formed  in  Syria,  and  existed  there  for  a  considerable 
time,  it  would  be  no  improbable  supposition  that  they  re- 
ceived their  Masonic  knowledge  from  the  lodges  in  that 
quarter. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  J 1 

But  we  are  fortunately  in  this  case  not  left  to  conjec- 
ture, for  we  are  expressly  informed  by  a  foreign  author 
(Adler  de  Donsis  Montis  Libani.  Rom.  1786)  who  was 
well  acquainted  with  the  history  and  customs  of  Syria, 
that  the  Knights  Templar  were  actually  members  of  the 
Syrian  fraternities. 

This  being  true  how  natural  for  the  persecuted  Knights 
Templar  of  the  fourteenth  century  in  fleeing  from  their 
persecutors  to  seek  a  refuge  among  the  various  lodges  of 
Free  Masons,  both  on  the  continent  and  the  British  Isles, 
and  secretly  communicate  their  secrets  to  their  benefactors 
and  create  them  Knights  Templar.  It  is  well  known  that 
the  ceremonies  of  the  Royal  Arch  and  Knights  Templar 
were  communicated  as  in  one  degree  in  the  Military  Sym- 
bolic Lodge,  which  quartered  near  Dublin,  Ireland.  How 
natural  for  the  fugitive  knights,  while  conquered  and 
dispersed  by  their  enemies,  to  have  still  retained  the  martial 
spirit  of  old  and  joined  their  fortunes  with  the  armies 
of  the  British  Isles  and,  becoming  members  of  the  mili- 
tary lodges,  communicated  the  ceremonies  of  the  Knights 
Templar  to  a  particular  friendly  brother  Free  Mason. 

It  is  known  that  members  of  the  military  lodges  lo- 
cated at  and  in  the  vicinity  of  Dublin,  Ireland,  were  in  pos- 
session of  these  so-called  Haute  Grades  (high  degrees), 
and  several  of  them,  after  serving  their  time  in  the  military 
service,  returned  to  their  homes  in  Scotland  and  affiliated 
with  the  Symbolic  Lodges  in  their  respective  home  towns, 
and  that  as  early  as  1796  the  degrees  of  Royal  Arch  and 
Knights  Templar  were  conferred  as  one  degree  in  the  May- 
bole  Royal  Arch  Lodge.  Scotland. 

The  Royal  Arch  degree  was  introduced  into  Ayershire, 
Scotland,  between  the  years  1771  and  1778  through,  the 
medium  of  the  Hibernian  element  which  then  permeated 
the  Lodge  St.  James,  Newton-upon-Ayr.     Tt  has  not  been 


/- 


I'll  E  KNIGHTS  TF.M  I'f.AR, 


ascertained  definitely  whether  during  this  period  they 
dubbed  Masonic  Knights,  but  their  pretensions  to  the 
knowledge  and  practice  of  degrees  other  than  those  of 
Craft  Masonry  were  supported  by  their  assumption  of  the 
title  of  "Super-Excellent  Royal  Arch  Lodge  of  Ayr," 
which  title,  however,  they  soon  abandoned  because  of  very 
few  Masonic  Lodges  acknowledging  them  as  a  Masonic 
Lodge  with  such  a  title.  When  they  resumed  their  proper 
title,  "Lodge  St.  James,"  the}'  not  only  continued  to  work 
the  Royal  Arch  degree,  but  conferred  also  the  Knights 
Templar,  and  it  was  through  its  members  that  a  desire  for 
the  high  degrees  was  created  in  their  own  province. 

In  1796  a  few  members  of  the  Lodge  Maybole,  together 
with  one  or  two  Irish  brethren,  who  were  in  possession  of 
the  high  degrees,  constituted  themselves  into  an  assembly 
of  Knights  Templar  and  surreptitiously  began  to  confer 
the  degrees  of  Royal  Arch  Mason  and  Knights  Templar, 
the  ceremonies  for  both  constituting  one  ceremonial. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  73 


NOT  AFRAID  TO  DIE. 

Afraid  to  die?     And  why? 

Hath  not  that  mother  love  that  taught  thee  how  to  live 

Prepared  a  way  to  die? 

Hath  not  the  prayer  thou  lisped  at  her  dear  knee 

Remained  a  solace  and  a  guide  to  thee? 

Hath  not  her  love,  her  life,  her  purity  of  soul 

Placed  one   small   seed   within  thy  heart? 

'Though  sown  amongst  a  field  of  tares 

Hath  not  that  one  small  seed   found  root  ? 

And,  nurtured  on  by  mother's  tears  and  prayers, 

Will  not   that   one   small  seed   bear  fruit? 

Oh,  weary,  wandering,  struggling  manhood  think — 

Think  of  the  day  when  thou  wert  young,  wert  true; 

Forget    this    weary    race    for    gold    and    place — 

Look  back — in  memory  meet  thy  mother  face  to  face. 

Now   ask  thyself,   art  thou   afraid   to  die? 

Art  thou  afraid  to  meet  that  mother  dear  on  high? 

Art  thou  afraid  to  make  thy  peace  with  God 

Ere  this  poor  hulk  of  flesh  and  bone  shall  rest  beneath 

the  sod? 
Ah,  no,  methinks  thou'rt  not  afraid  to  die; 
And  when  thy  race  on  earth  shall  be  full  run 
Thou'lt  close  thine  eyes  in  thy  last  sleep, 
And,  with   a   smile  upon  thy  lips, 
Thou'lt  go  to  meet  thy  God  and  loved  ones  gone — ■ 
Prepared   by  mother's  love  and  prayers  to  j&teJLi**^ 
Prepared  by  mother's  love  and  prayer  to  die. 

— G.  F.  Orgibet. 


74  THE  KNIGHTS  TKM  l'LAk, 

[NTRO'DUCTION  OF  THE  (  >RDER  OF  KNIGHTS 
TEMPLAR  INTO  AMERICA. 

St.  Andrew's  Royal  Arch  Lodge  was  instituted  in  Bos- 
ton, Mass.,  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Scotland  in  1756.  Its 
first  recorded  meeting'  was  held  August  18.  1769,  in  Ma- 
sonic hall.  Boston,  and  the  record  of  that  meeting  is  the 
first  account  of  the  conferring  the  order  of  Knights  Tem- 
plar, so  far  as  known,  in  this  country  or  Great  Britain. 

The  records  of  St.  Andrew's  Lodge  show  that  "Brother 
William  Davis  came  before  the  lodge  begging  to  have  and 
receive  the  parts  belonging  to  the  Royal  Arch  Masons, 
which  being  read,  was  received,  and  he  unanimously  voted 
in,  and  was  accordingly  made  by  receiving  the  four  steps, 
that  of  Excellent.  Super-Excellent,  Royal  Arch,  and  Knights 
Templar." 

The  Red  Cross  was  not  then  a  prerequisite  to  the 
order  of  the  Temple  in  this  or  any  other  country,  as  it  is 
not  now  a  prerequisite  in  any  other  country  than  the 
United  States  of  America. 

ddie  next  earliest  records  of  the  order  of  the  Temple 
being  conferred  in  a  lodge  of  Symbolic  Masons  is  that  ^\ 
Kilwinning  Lodge.  Ireland,  warranted  October  8.  1779. 
which  shows  that  its  charter  was  used  as  the  authority  for 
conferring  the  Royal  Arch.  Knights  Templar  and  Rose 
Groix  degrees  and  orders  in    1782. 

It  is  significant  that  both  St.  Andrew's  Lodge  of  Boston. 
Mass.,  I".  S.  A.,  and  Kilwinning  Lodge.  Ireland,  received 
their  warrants  from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Scotland.  So 
also  did  Maybole  Royal  Arch  Lodge  of  Scotland,  in  which 
the  Royal  Arch  and  Knights  Templar  were  conferred  in 
one  ceremonial.  The  neophyte  after  passing  the  veils  ot 
the   tabernacle  of  the    Royal   Arch   found  himself  standing 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  75 

before  a  table  in  a  triangular  form  on  which  were  thirteen 
burning  tapers.  The  one  in  the  center  represented  Jesus 
Christ,  the  other  twelve  in  a  triangular  form  the  twelve 
Apostles.  One  was  extinguished  by  the  neophyte  and  was 
told  it  represented  Judas  Jscariot,  who  betrayed  his  Mas- 
ter; one  was  burning  dim,  and  was  called  Peter  who  had 
weakened,  and  denied  his  Master.  Something  on  a  table 
under  a  white  cloth  being  uncovered  was  perceived  to  be 

a  h n  s 1,  which  the  neophyte  was  desired  to  take 

up  and   view   it.  and   was  told   it   was  a   real   s 1  of  a 

brother  called  Simon  Magnus.     Porter  was  poured  into  the 

s 1,   which   the  neophyte   was  desired  to  drink;  he  did 

so,  and  it  was  handed  round  to  the  Knights  assembled. 
The  panel  Andrew  put  the  point  of  the  sword  into  it,  and 
then  touched  the  witness's  head,  saying:  "1  dub  thee  in 
the  name  of  the  Father,  Son.  and  Holy  Ghost."  The  above 
is  from  the  testimony  of  one  William  Hamilton  before  the 
court  which  sat  at  Ayr,  Scotland,  Sept.  17,  1800,  under 
the  presidency  of  the  Lord  Justice-Clerk  (Sir  David  Rae  of 
Eskgrove,  Bart.).  It  was  a  case  brought  about  through  the 
jealousies  of  brethren  in  the  Maybole  Lodge,  who  had  not 
been  favored  with  the  high  degrees  by  their  brethren  of 
the  Haute  Grades.  They  first  preferred  charges  against 
them  in  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Scotland  with  using  Paine's 
Age  of  Reason  instead  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  that  the 
obligations  assumed  were  derogatory  to  the  government 

After  the  Lord  Justice-Clerk  summed  up  the  evidence 
in  the  trial  at  Ayr  he  observed  "that  he  wished  that  this 
prosecution  had  been  brought  sooner,  but  this  could  not 
be  imputed  to  the  prosecutor,  for  it  did  not  appear  that  he 
had  delayed  bringing  the  action  after  he  got  the  informa- 
tion. Though  this  species  of  crime  may  not  have  occurred 
in  our  law  before,  still  the  law  may  be  applied  to  remedy  it 
when  it  does  occur.     The  special  law  enacted  in  regard  to 


y6  Til  E  KNIGHTS  TI'.M  IM.AU, 

it   does  not   infringe  on  the  law  as  it  stood  before.      The 

oath   is  not   innocent   even   as  limited  by  the   witnesses   for 

At-© 

the  panels:  though  there  is  proof  that  the  panels  had  en- 
tered into  a  design  i<\  leading  persons  they  admitted  into 
their  society  to  seditious  practices,  yet  the  oath  may  he  em- 
ployed for  that  purpose.  His  lordship  said  he  could  not 
helieve  that  any  such  ceremonies  were  employed  in  Masons' 
lodges,  because  they  are  so  abominable  and  impious:  it 
rather  appeared  that  this  was  a  new  oath  introduced  by  the 
panels,  and  not  in  use  before  in  admitting  Masons." 

After  concluding  his  charge  to  the  jury  he  instructed 
them  to  retire  and  return  their  verdict  the  next  morning. 

The  first  husiness  of  the  court  on  resuming  its  sitting 
the  next  morning  was  to  receive  the  verdict  of  the  jury: 

"That  we  all  in  one  voice  find  the  facts  liheled  not 
proven." 

D.  Murray  Lyon  in  his  History  of  Free  Masonry  in 
Scotland  says  that  the  custom  of  Knights  Templar  en- 
campments fraternizing  with  lodges  prevailed  to  a  consid- 
erable  extent  in  Scotland,  particularly  in  the  western  prov- 
inces, at  the  end  of  the  eighteenth  and  beginning  of  the 
nineteenth  centuries,  and  the  distinction  of  honorary  mem- 
bership  was  frequently  conferred  on  Knights  Templar  as 
an  expression  of  the  brethrens'  admiration  of  the  high  de- 
grees. The  encampments  on  their  part  reciprocated  the 
compliment  by  initiating  the  office  bearers  of  the  lodges  in 
which  they  were  received  into  the  several  degrees  worked 
by  them. 

This  exchange  of  courtesies  tended  to  wider  dissemina- 
tion in  lodges  of  a  taste  for  the  Arch  and  Templar  degrees. 
so  much  so  that  possession  of  these  was  in  some  instances 
made  a  prerequisite  to  office-holding  under  the  charters  oi 
the  Grand  Lodge. 

It  was  to  the  military  lodge  Ayr  and  Renfrew  Militia 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  JJ 

St.  Paul,  into  which  the  Royal  Arch  had  been  introduced 
by  the  Lodge  St.  James,  Newton-on-Ayr,  that  in  1799  the 
lodges  in  Sterling  were  indebted  for  their  knowdedge  of 
that  order. 

The  connection  existing  between  Symbolic  Lodges  and 
the  Royal  Arch  and  Knights  Templar  of  which  we  speak 
cannot  as  a  rule  be  traced  in  the  minute  books  of  the  craft, 
says  Bro.  Lyon,  but  that  from  the  records  that  he  has  seen 
there  is  evidence  enough  that  some  such  union  existed. 
"Sterling,  Nov.  22,  1799.  At  an  emergent  meeting  of  the 
Ayr  and  Renfrew  St.  Paul's  Lodge,  the  following  brethren, 
Master  Masons,  after  having  regularly  passed  the  chair  of 
the  lodge,  were  admitted  to  that  of  Excellent  and  Super- 
Excellent  Royal  Arch  Masons,  and  likewise  duly  dubt 
Night  Templars,  viz :  the  R.  W.  M.  of  Sterling  Royal 
Arch. ." 

While  the  above  are  of  later  date  than  that  of  St.  An- 
drew's records  at  Boston,  Mass.,  the  fact  is  that  St.  An- 
drew's Lodge  obtained  its  charter  or  warrant  from  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  Scotland,  and  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose 
that  the  Roval  Arch  and  Knights  Templar  degrees  were  con- 
ferred at  a  much  earlier  date  in  Scotland  than  the  records 
show,  and  that  they  were  introduced  in  the  Scotch  Lodge 
by  brethren  who  had  received  them  in  military  lodges  while 
serving  in  the  militia  and  quartered  in  Ireland,  and  the 
brethren  who  applied  for  the  warrant  of  St.  Andrew's 
Lodge  at  Boston,  Mass.,  or  introduced  the  degrees  and  or- 
ders in  St.  Andrew's  Lodge  must  have  received  their  knowl- 
edge of  them,  or  received  the  degrees,  in  the  military  lodge 
of  Ireland  or  in  some  of  the  Scotch  lodges  which  had  been 
secretly  favoring  a  few  of  their  brethren  with  the  high  de- 
grees before  any  minutes  or  records  were  kept  of  such  ini- 
tiations. 

The  Order   of  the   Temple  continued   to   be  conferred 


78  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

under  lodge  warrants  in  the  United  States  of  America  until 
about  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  century,  when  self- 
constituted  encampments  began  to  spring  up. 

None  of  the  encampments  of  Knights  Templar  prior 
to  the  organization  of  the  General  Grand  Encampment  in 
[816  worked  under  any  other  but  self-constituted  authority, 
although  Sir  Alfred  Creigh  in  his  history  of  Knights  Tem- 
plar in  Pennsylvania  asserts  that  Commanderies  Nos.  1  and 
2  Philadelphia,  Xo.  3  of  Harrisburg  and  Xo.  4  of  Carlisle, 
organized  in  the  years  1793  and  1797,  respectively,  derived 
their  authority  from  "Blue  Lodge"  warrants  issued  by  the 
Grand  Lodsfe  of  Pennsylvania. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY. 


79 


LINES  INSCRIBED  UPON  A  CUP  FORMED 
FROM  A  SKULL. 

Start  not — nor  deem  my  spirit  fled; 

In    me    behold    the   only    skull, 
From  which,   unlike  a  living  head, 

Whatever  flows  is  never  dull. 

1  lived,  I   loved,  I  quaff'd  like  thee: 
I   died:    let   earth    my   bones   resign; 

Fill    up— thou    canst    not   injure    me; 
The  worm  hath  fouler  lips  than  thine. 

Better  to  hold  the  sparkling  grape, 
Than  nurse  the  earth-worm's  slimy  brood; 

And  circle  in  the  goblet's  shape 
The  drink  of  gods,  than  reptile's  food. 

Where   once   my    wit,   perchance,   hath   shone, 

In  aid  of  others  let  me  shine; 
And    when,    alas!    our   brains    are   gone, 

What   nobler   substitute   than   wine? 

Quaff  while  thou  canst:  another  race, 
When  thou  and  thine,  like  me,  are' sped, 

May  rescue  thee  from  earth's  embrace, 
And  rhyme  and  revel  with  the  dead. 

Why  not?  since  through  life's  little  day 
Our   heads   such   sad   effects   produce; 

Redeem'd   from   worms  and  wasting   clay, 
This  chance  is  theirs,  to  be  of  use. 

— Byron. 


8o  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 


THE  OLDEST  COMMANDERS  OF  KNIGHTS 
TEMPLAR. 

Benj.  Dean,  Grand  Master  of  the  Grand  Encampment 
of  Knights  Templar  of  the  United  States  of  America,  in 
his  address  before  the  Grand  Encampment  in  iSS^  made 
the  following  report  on  South  Carolina  and  Templar  His- 
tory : 

"On  the  8th  of  December,  1880,  I  issued  a  dispensation 
to  South  Carolina  Commandery  No.  1  to  appear  in  public 
in  full  Templar  costume  on  the  twenty-ninth  day  of  De- 
cember. 1880,  for  the  purpose  of  celebrating-  the  one  hun- 
dredth anniversary  of  its  organization.  I  also  issued  dis- 
pensations for  a  like  appearance  in  public  to  join  in  the  cele- 
bration to  Columbia  Commandery  Xo.  2.  Georgia  Com- 
mandery Xo.   1,  and  Palestine  Commandery  Xo.  7. 

"Previous  conversations  with  Eminent  Sir  Knight  E. 
S.  Jennison,  Eminent  Commander  of  South  Carolina 
Commandery  Xo.  1,  had  led  me  to  believe  it  possible  that 
our  orders  of  Knighthood  had  been  conferred  in  Charles- 
ton as  earl)-  as  the  date  claimed  (  tjSo).  A  claim  so  in- 
teresting and  so  at  variance  with  the  opinion  of  many  re- 
garding the  early  history  of  Tenrplarism  in  this  country 
challenged  examination.  In  the  investigation  1  received 
valuable  assistance  from  Sir  Knight  W.  J.  Pollard,  un- 
representative of  the  fifth  district,  and  from  Sir  Knight  E. 
S.  Jennison,  Eminent  Commander  of  South  Carolina 
Commandery  No.  1.  In  a  lecture  exhibiting  great  research 
and  learning,  in  Charleston.  S.  C,  March  23,  1855,  by 
Theodore  S.  Gourdin,  then  Commander  of  South  Carolina 
Commandery  Xo.   1,  is  found  the  following: 

"'The  South  Carolina  Encampment,  Xo.  1.  of  Knights 
Templar,   and   the  appendant   orders,     was    established    in 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  8 1 

1780,  as  is  evident  from  the  old  seal  in  our  archives,  but 
it  does  not  appear  from  what  source  our  ancestors  derived 
their  first  charter,  all  of  our  records,  previous  to  Nov.  7, 
1823,  having  been  lost  or  consumed  by  fire. 

"  'It  is  clear,  however,  that  this  encampment  was  in  ac- 
tive operation  in  1803,  and  continued  so  until  long  after 
the  date  of  our  oldest  record,  for,  on  December  29,  1824, 
it  was  "Resolved,  That,  in  consideration  of  the  long,  and 
faithful  services  of  our  Most  Eminent  Past  Grand  Com- 
mander, Francis  Sylvester  Curtis,  who  regularly  paid  his 
arrears  to  this  encampment  for  more  than  twenty  years,  he 
be  considered  a  life  member  of  this  encampment,  and  that 
his  membership  take  date  from  November,  1823." 

"In  Mackey's  History  of  Free  Masonry  in  South  Caro- 
lina is  found  the  following  commencing  on  pag£  487,  chap- 
ter LI. : 

"  'Knights  Templarism  in  South  Carolina. — The  exact 
date  of  the  introduction  of  the  Templar  order  of  Knight- 
hood into  South  Carolina  is  involved  in  much  obscurity. 
Gourdin,  deducing  his  opinion  from  an  old  seal  in  the 
archives,  says  that  South  Carolina  Encampment,  No.  1,  of 
Knights  Templar,  and  the  appendant  orders,  was  estab- 
lished in  1780. 

"  T  have  been  unable  to  find  any  reference  in  the  con- 
temporarv  journals  of  the  day  to  the  existence  of  South 
Carolina  Encampment,  No.  1,  at  that  early  period.  I  have, 
however,  been  more  successful  in  obtaining  indisputable 
evidence  that  the  degrees  of  Knight  of  the  Red  Cross  and 
Knights  Templar  were  conferred  in  Charleston  in  a  regu- 
larly organized  body  as  far  back  as  the  year  1783,  and 
I  have  no  doubt  that  the  seal  with  the  date  "1780,"  to  which 
Gourdin  refers,  belonged  to  that  body,  and  afterwards  came 
into  the  possession  of  South  Carolina  Encampment. 

'The  proof  of  what  I  have  stated  is  contained  in  a 


82  III  E    KM  CI  ll'S  TKM  I'LAU, 

small  compass,  but  the  testimony  is  irrefutable.     1  have  in 

my    possession    a   diploma    written    in   a    very   neat    chirog- 
raphy,  on  parchment,  with  two  seals  in  wax  attached,  one 

in   red.  of  the   Royal   Arch,  and  the  other  in   black,  of  the 
Knights  Templar. 

'The  upper  part  of  the  diploma  contains  four  devices 
within  tour  circles,  all  skillfully  executed  with  the  pen. 
The  first  device,  beginning  in  the  lett  hand,  is  a  star  of 
seven  points,  with  the  ineffable  name  in  the  center,  and 
the  motto,  "Memento  Mori";  the  second  is  an  arch  on  two 
pillars,  the  all-seeing'  eye  on  the  keystone,  and  a  sun  be- 
neath the  arch,  and  "Holiness  to  the  Lord"  for  the  motto; 
the  third  is  the  cross  and  brazen  serpent,  created  on  a 
bridge,  and  "Jesus  Salvator  Hominum"  for  the  motto;  and 
the  fourth  is  the  skull  and  cross-bones  surmounted  by  a 
cross,  with  the  motto,  "In  hoc  signo  vinces." 

"  'The  reference  of  the  three  last  devices  is  evidently 
to  the  Royal  Arch,  the  Red  Cross  and  the  Templar  degrees. 
'Idle  first  is  certainly  a  symbol  of  the  Lodge  of  Perfection, 
and,  hence,  connectedlv.  thev  show  the  dependence  of  the 
order  of  Templarism  in  the  state  at  that  time  upon  the 
Ancient  and  Accepted  Rite. 

"  'The  diploma  is  in  these  words : 

"We.  the  High  Priest.  Captain  Commandant  of  the 
\\?(\  Cross,  and  Captain  General  of  that  most  Holy  and 
Invincible  Order  of  Knights  Templar  of  St.  Andrew's 
Lodge,  No.  i.  Ancient  Masons,  held  in  Charleston,  S.  C, 
under  charter  from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Southern  Dis- 
trict of  North  America,  do  herebv  certify  that  our  true  and 
well-beloved  brother.  Sir  Henry  Beaumont,  hath  passed 
the  chair,  been  raised  to  the  sublime  degrees  of  an  Excel- 
lent, Super-Excellent,  Royal  Arch  Mason,  Knight  of  the  K^d 
Cross,  and  a  Knight  of  that  Most  Holy,  Invincible  and 
Magnanimous  Order  of   Knights  Templar,    Knights  Hos- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  .  83 

pitaller,  Knights  of  Rhodes  and  of  Malta,  which  several 
orders  are  above  delineated,  and  he,  having  conducted  him- 
self like  a  true  and  faithful  brother,  we  affectionately 
recommend  him  to  all  the  Fraternity  of  Ancient  Masons, 
around  the  globe,  wherever  assembled. 

"Given  under  our  hands  and  the  seal  of  our  Lodge, 
this  first  day  of  August,  5783,  and  of  Malta  3517. 

"George  Carter,  Capt.  Gen'l. 
""'Thos.   Pashlev.    1st  King. 
"Wm.   Nisbett,  2d    King. 
"R.    Mason,    Recorder." 
'  'A  note  at  the  bottom  of  page  487  contains  the  fol- 
lowing : 

"For  much  of  the  historical  information  contained 
in  this  chapter  I  am  indebted  to  an  Historical  Sketch  of  the 
Order  of  Knights  Templar."  ' 

"This  is  an  address  delivered  before  South  Carolina 
Commandery,  in  1855,  by  Theodore  S.  Gourdin.  Mr. 
Gourdin,  who  has  since  died,  was  for  many  years  the  pre- 
siding officer  of  that  body. 

"To  a  considerable  share  of  Masonic  learning  and  talent 
he  added  an  unusual  amount  of  laborious  research  in  the 
investigation  of  any  subject  upon  which  he  was  engaged. 
"In  the  work  just  quoted,  whose  only  objection  is  its 
brevity,  he  has  collected  almost  everv  fact  relevant  to  the 
subject  which  was  contained  in  the  minutes  of  the  Com- 
mandery, or  in  contemporary  records.  I  have,  I  confess, 
found  little  to  glean  in  the  held  over  which  he  passed. 

"I  have,  however,  ventured,  in  a  few  instances,  to  dis- 
sent from  his  theories,  and  once  or  twice  have  been  com- 
pelled to  correct  his  statements.  Having  learned  from  Sir 
Knight  Jennison  that  the  Hon.  E.  \Y.  M.  Mackey,  the  son  of 
Albert  G.  Mackey,  the  author  of  the  history  of  Free  Ma- 
sonry in  South  Carolina,  was  in  Washington,  and  probably 


84  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

had  the  original  diploma  mentioned  in  the  history,  I  be- 
came acquanted  with  him  and  he  kindly  placed  the  diploma 
in  my  possession,  and  subsequently,  at  my  request,  author- 
ized me  in  his  name  to  present  it  to  the  Grand  Encamp- 
ment of  the  United  States.  I  now,  with  pleasure,  present 
it  to  you. 


"On  the  6th  of  May,   1881,  Sir  Knight  W.  J.  Pollard. 

because  of  a  conversation  with  him  in  Boston,  wrote  me  a 
long  and  interesting  letter  on  the  history  of  Free  Masonry 
in  South  Carolina  and  Georgia,  in  which  he  says: 

"  'I  find  in  Charleston,  from  the  South  Carolina  Gazette, 
that  at  some  period  not  clearly  defined  there  was  a  Lodge 
established  in  West  Florida,  called  St.  Andrew's  Lodge. 
No.  40,  and  that  it  was  moved  to  Charleston  about  1783, 
and  was  chartered  as  a  York  Lodge  in  the  city  of  Charles- 
ton, July,  1783,  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsylvania.' 

"He  also  called  my  attention  to  the  recovery  by  Sir 
Knight  Jennison  of  valuable  papers  relating  to  the  En- 
campment. Sir  Knight  Jennison  also  sent  me  copies  of  the 
papers.  The  letters  and  papers  were  mislaid  for  a  while, 
and  the  investigation  was  pursued  with  more  vigor  after 
the  possession  of  the  diploma.  A  careful  examination  of 
the  diploma  discovered  on  the  seal  the  words  'Lodge  No. 
40.'  These  words  and  figures  were  not  as  prominent  as 
the  other  legends  on  the  seal,  and  seem  to  have  escaped 
the  attention  of  Bro.  Albert  G.  Mackey. 

"A  careful  examination  discovered  the  remains  of  two 
ribbons  under  those  in  sight,  showing  that  there  were 
originally  four  seals  attached  to  the  diploma.  One  of  these 
ribbons  is  quite  rotten.  I  looked  in  vain  through  Bro. 
Mackey's  History  of  Free  Masonry  in  South  Carolina  for 
any  other  connection  of  this  Lodge  No  40  with  St.   An- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  85 

drew's  Lodge,  No.  i,  and  for  any  of  the  names  mentioned 
in  the  diploma.  I  looked  in  other  directions  with  like  re- 
sults, until  in  an  address  on  the  History  of  Free  Masonry 
in  South  Carolina  by  M.  W.  Wilmot  G.  DeSaussure.  P. 
G.  M.,  on  10th  of  December,  A.  L.  5878,  which  was  kind- 
ly sent  me  by  Sir  Knight  Pollard,  I  found  these  words 
(while  speaking  of  warrants  issued  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Pennsylvania)  :  'That  (the  warrant)  for  No.  40  was 
granted  to  brethren,  formerly  of  St.  Andrew's  Lodge,  No. 
1,  West  Florida,  and  then  of  Charleston,  on  the  T2th  of 
July,  1783.' 

;];         >[;         >;;         >jj 

"In  following  out  the  clew  I  examined  the  minutes  and 
proceedings  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsylvania,  Free  and 
Accepted  Masons,  compiled  and  published  by  the  library 
committee  of  Pennsylvania,  from  page  39  and  40,  of  which 
1  now  quote: 

"  'Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsylvania,  July  8,  1783. 

"  'Present.  R.  W.  Win.  Adcock,  Grand  Master. 
'  'Lodges  Nos.  2,  3,  4,  9,  13  and  19  represented. 

"  'A  memorial  from  the  brethren  of  St.  Andrew's  Lodge. 
No.  1,  late  of  West  Florida,  and  now  of  Charleston,  S.  C, 
with  sundry  papers  relative  thereto,  addressed  to  the  R.  W. 
Grand  Master,  were  laid  before  this  lodge  and  received  a 
full  reading. 

"Agreed,  that  a  letter  be  written  to  the  master  and 
brethren  of  St.  Andrew's  Lodge,  referring  and  recommend- 
ing them  to  our  worthy  brother,  Edward  Weyman,  of 
Lodge  No.  38,  to  whom  a  letter  is  also  requested  to  be 
written,  granting  full  power  and  authority  to  act  agreeably 
to  directions  to  be  given  to  him  by  this  Grand  Lodge." 

"  'The  committee,  together  with  Bros.  Hamilton  and 
Vannost,  are  appointed  to  that  business,  and  are  desired  to 


8<  -  III  E   K  NIGH  TS  T  E  M  I'LAR, 

lay  their  proceedings  before  the  Grand  Lodge  at  their  next 
meeting.' 

''Grand  Lodge  of  Emergency,  July  i_\  [783. 

" 'R.    \Y.   Adcock,  Grand   Master. 

'  'Lodges  Nos.  2,  3,  4,  9,   13  and  [9  are  represented. 
'The   committee   appointed   last   meeting'  having   laid 
before  this  Grand  Lodge  their  several  letters  to  Bn>.  Wey- 
man.   Master  of  Lodge  No.  38.  and  to  the  Master  of  St. 
Andrew's  Lodge,  No.   1,  they  are  unanimously  accepted. 

'  '( )n  motion,  ordered,  that  the  secretary  prepare  and 
draw  a  warrant  (for  the  brethren  of  St.  Andrew's  Lodge, 
No.  1  )  to  be  No.  40,  which  warrant  is  to  be  transmitted  to 
Bro.  Weyman,  Master  of  Lodge  No.  38,  to  be  by  him  de- 
livered to  the  Master  and  members  of  St.  Andrew's  Lodge, 
Xo.  1,  provided  that  the  Master  and  members  of  said 
lodge  are  found  to  be  of  this  Ancient  and  Honorable  Fra- 
ternity and  accept  to  be  under  this  jurisdiction.' 

"The  same  publication  shows  that  Lodge  No.  40  was 
represented  at  the  following  meetings  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  Pennsylvania,  namely:  December  25,  1783;  December 
-/•  ^^S:  March  29,  1784;  April  16,  1784;  June  17,  1784; 
August  4,  1784:  October  29,  1784;  December  20,  1784; 
March  28,  1785;  April  21,  1785;  June  20,  1785;  October 
8,  1785;  October  iyy  1785;  December  6,  1785;  December 
27,  1785;  February  3,  1786;  March  26,  1787;  June  18, 
1787;  December  17,  1787;  December  zy,  1787;  January  21, 
1788;  March  31,  1788;  June  16,  1788;  November  10,  1788; 
December  15,   1788;  December  2~,   1788. 

"In  the  list  of  lodges  at  the  end  of  this  volume  is  found  : 
No.  40.  St.  Andrew's  Lodge,  Charleston,  South  Carolina; 
granted  July  12.  1783;  surrendered  and  renewed  May  2^, 
1787;  surrendered  September  24,  1787;  joined  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  South  Carolina.' 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  87 

"At  the  meeting-  of  September  9,  1783,  page  43,  of 
the  proceedings : 

'  'A  letter  from  brother  George  Carter,  Master  of 
Lodge  No.  40,  of  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  addressed 
to  the  R.  W.  Grand  Master,  was  read,  informing  that  he 
had  received  the  warrant  sent  him  by  this  Grand  Lodge, 
by  the  hands  of  Bro.  Weyman,  as  also  one  other  letter  to 
Bro.  Joseph  Howell,  with  a  power  appointing  him  and  Bro. 
Michael  Jennings  proxies  in  behalf  of  Lodge  No.  40.  which 
was  admitted. 

"At  the  Grand  Lodge  held  June  17,  1784,  page  49  of 
the  proceedings,  appears  the  following: 

'  'In  consequence  of  a  letter  received  by  Alexander 
Petrie,  late  of  Lodge  No.  40,  and  a  representation  of  the 
irregularities  of  Lodges  No.  38  and  40  ( communicated  by 
Bro.  Young),  Bros.  Proctor,  Young,  Howell  and  Jennings, 
proxies  to>  said  lodges,  are  directed  to  write  to,  and  give 
them  such  brotherly  admonition  as  may  appear  necessary." 

"To  still  further  establish  the  authenticity  of  the  diplo- 
ma I  wrote  Sir  Knight  Jennison  that  'the  best  service  you 
can  render  is  to  prove  the  existence  of  the  signers  of  the 
diploma;  also  inquiry  should  be  made  whether  the  records 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsylvania  show  to  whom  char- 
ter No.  40  was  given.'  I  also  myself  wrote  to  Sir  Knight 
Charles  K.  Meyer,  Grand  Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Pennsylvania.  Sir  Knight  Jennison  sent  me  an  original 
official  communication,  of  which  the  following"  is  a  copy: 

"  'C.  KERRISON,  JR. 
"  'Register  Mesne  Conveyance,  Charleston  County. 
"  'E.  L.  Jennison,  Esq. 

"'Dear  Sir  and  Brother:     In  reply  to  yours  of  the  13th,  I  beg 
leave  to  state  that  none  of  the  parties  named  in  same  appear  on 
the  books  of  this  office,  but  one,  viz:  Wm.  Nesbett.     Several  trans- 
actions of  his  are  recorded  between  the^years  1779  and  17S4. 
"  'I   write  this  officially,  as  you  may  so   desire. 

"  'Very  respectfully,  C.    KERRISON,   JR., 

"  'Register,  M.   C 


88  III  E   KNIGHTS    I  I'.M  I'l.AK, 

"Sir   Knight  Charles  Meyers  replied  to  my  inquiry  as 

follows  : 

"  'Pardon  my  seeming  delay  or  neglect  in  answering  your  let- 
ter. 1  have  been  trying  to  gain  you  some  information  about  Lodge 
No.  40.  A  warrant  was  directed  to  be  issued  on  July  12,  1783,  by 
William  Adcock,  G.  M.,  Alex  Rutherford,  D.  G.  M.,  Thomas  Proctor, 
D.  G.  W.,  George  Ord,  J.  G.  W.,  for  Lodge  No.  40,  of  which  George 
Carter  was  to  be  the  first  Master,  Thomas  Pashley,  Senior  War- 
den, William  Nesbett,  Junior  Warden. 

"  'The  Lodge  has  no  name,  but  was  number  forty  on  our  list. 
and  was  located  at   Charleston,  S.   C. 

"  'I  have  searched  the  records  and  find  no  further  record,  ex- 
cept in  the  book  of  warrants  as  above.  There  are  no  papers,  ap- 
plications, or  list  of  names.  I  do  not  think  they  ever  returned 
any  names.' 

"It  will  be  noticed  that  it  is  St.  Andrew's  Lodge,  No.  i. 
in  the  body  of  the  diploma,  and  its  date  is  'i  day  of  August,' 
and  'Lodge  No.  40'  is  on  the  seal,  and  that  the  warrant 
from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsylvania  was  authorized  on 
the  12th  of  July  previous. 

"The  word  'August'  and  '3'  and  the  figure  '7'  in  the 
date  are  in  a  different  handwriting  (probably  that  of  the 
Recorder)  from  the  body  of  the  diploma,  showing  the 
diploma  was  one  of  a  number  prepared  in  advance,  and 
that  it  was  merely  filled  out  and  the  seal  attached  after- 
wards. 

"The  evidence  of  the  authenticity  of  the  diploma  would 
seem  to  be  condensive.  and  therefore  it  proves  what  is  con- 
tained in  it — that  the  Lodge  was  held  'under  charter  from 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Southern  District  of  North 
America,'  and  that  it  conferred  the  degrees  of  Knighthood 
mentioned   in   it. 


"Copies  of  some  documents  relating  to  this  Command- 
ery  with  explanatory  memoranda  will  he  found  in  Appen- 
dix 'F.' 

"These  valuable  documents  were  found  hv  Sir  Knight 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  89 

S.  Stacker  Williams,  of  Newark,  Ohio,  who  wrote  in  the 
winter  of  1880- 1  to  J.  E.  Burke,  Secretary  of  the  Grand 
Chapter  of  South  Carolina,  asking  if  there  was  a  live 
Knight  Templar  in  Charleston.  Brother  Burke  sent  the 
letter  to  Brother  E,  S.  Jennison,  who  obtained  them  through 
Sir  Knight  S.  Stacker  Williams.  The  latter  wrote  to  Sir 
Knight  Jennison  that  he  found  them  in  a  box  among  other 
Masonic  papers;  that  they  belonged  to  a  widow  of  a  son 
of  John  Snow,  and  that  he  wished  to  get  $5.00  for  them 
for  her,  and  thought  they  ought  to  he  in  the  possession  of 
South  Carolina  Commandery,  No.   i. 

"They  consist  of  a  full  record  of  the  proceedings  for 
the  re-opening  of  the  Encampment  on  the  27th  of  August, 
1823,  including  a  petition  for  a  charter  of  recognition  from 
the  General  Grand  Encampment  of  the  United  States,  and 
the  dispensation  issued  in  pursuance  thereof  hy  John  Snow, 
G.  G.  G.  of  the  General  Grand  Encampment  of  the  United 
States. 

"One  of  the  resolutions  passed  at  the  meeting  of  the 
27th  of  August,  1823,  read  as  follows: 

"  'Resolved,  That,  on  diligent  search  being  made  in  the 
archives,  it  clearly  appears  that  this  Encampment  was  in 
full  operation  under  the  sanction  of  the  warrant  of  Blue 
Lodge,  No.  40,  upwards  of  thirty  years  ago,  and  continued 
in  operation  many  years,  subsequent,  and  has,  time  out  of 
mind,  caused  to  he  made  and  used  a  common  seal.  It  also 
further  appears  that  the  said  Encampment  has  lain  dor- 
mant for  several  years  past." 

"The  Charter  of  Recognition,  in  speaking  of  the  age 
of  the  Encampment,  uses  the  same  words. 


"The   seals   on   the   documents   found   in   Ohio  are  the 
same  as  that  on  the  circular,  with  the  exception  that  'Lodge 


90  T  1 1  E  K  X  [GHTS  T E MI'I.Ak, 

No.  40'  is  on  the  documents  found  in  Ohio,  and  'S.  C.  Enc, 
No.  1.  17K0,'  is  on  the  circular.  The  impression  of  the 
seal  on  the  diploma  is  identical  with,  and  no  doubt  an  im- 
pression from,  the  seal  I  am  about  to  describe. 

'*!  now  come  to  the  curious  story  of  the  finding-  of 
the  original  seal  of  South  Carolina  Encampment,  Xo.  1. 
which  appears  to  have  heen  the  original  seal  of  'Lodge  No. 
40,'  the  date  and  the  circumstances  of  the  loss  of  which  are 
unknown. 

"My  researches  in  the  Grand  Secretary's  office  in 
Massachusetts  brought  the  information  that  Sir  Knight  A. 
G.  Haley,  of  Salmon  Falls,  X.  H.,  had  such  a  seal  in  his 
possession.  He  gave  it  to  me  to  he  disposed  of  according 
to  my  discretion,  saying  that  he  bought  it  of  a  cook  of 
a  schooner  in  Dover,  X.  H.  He  bought  it  in  the  Massa- 
chusetts Centennial  year  for  one  dollar.  The  cook  said  that 
he  had  a  little  time  before  thrown  it  up  out  of  the  ground, 
while  hanking  up  the  earth  around  his  house  in  Bath, 
Maine.  He  also  said  it  was  valuable  hecause  it  was  pirate 
money.  On  heing  told  that  pirates  did  not  make  their  own 
money  but  stole  other  people's  money,  and  that  it  probably 
was  connected  with  the  Knights  Templar,  he  did  not  think 
it  was  worth  so  much,  and  parted  with  it.  It  is  of  silver, 
of  which  seals  were  made  at  the  time  of  its  date. 

"I  now  have  the  pleasure,  in  the  name  of.  and  in  behalf 
of  South  Carolina  Commandery,  Xo.  1,  to  present  to  this 
Grand  Encampment,  for  its  safe  preservation,  the  valuable 
seal  of  which  1  have  just  given  you  a  history.  This  con- 
duct on  the  part  of  South  Carolina  Commandery,  Xo.  1, 
is  vvorthv  of  hierh  commendation. 


"But  this  is  not  all.      The  industry  of  Sir  Knight  Jen- 
nison  appears  to  have  heen  still  further  rewarded.     In  con- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  91 

sequence  of  information  derived  from  Sir  Knight  Calvin 
Fay,  of  Atlanta,  Georgia,  he  corresponded  with  Brother 
Sidney  Hayden,  the  author  of  'Washington  and  his  Ma- 
sonic Compeers/  the  result  of  which  was  the  following  let- 
ter, throwing  a  flood  of  light  upon  the  Grand  Lodge  for 
the  Southern  District  of  North  America.  Bro.  Jennison 
is  now  pursuing  his  investigation  by  correspondence  with 
the  Grand   Lodge  of  Scotland. 

"  'Sayre,  Pa.,  May  1,  1883. 
"  'E.  S.  Jennison,  Esq. 

"'Dear  Sir  and  Brother:  I  received,  last  week,  your  letter  of 
April  25th,  also  your  pamphlet  relating  to  S.  C.  Commandery,  No. 
1.     Please  accept  my  sincere  thanks  for  this  interesting  document. 

"  'My  infirmities  of  age  are  such  as  to  prevent  me  from  an- 
swering very  fully  your  letter,  and  my  physician  forbids  me  to  tax 
mind  or  body  with  study  or  labor  to  any  extent  that  fatigue  me, 
so  I  can  only  give  you  a  brief  reply. 

"  'We  know  nothing  of  Masonry  in  Florida  (if  any  existed 
there)  till  after  Florida  became  a  British  province  in  1763,  at  the 
close  of  the  old  French  war.  It  then  became  known  as  the  Southern 
District  of  the  British  possessions  in  America,  and  was  divided  by 
the  English  government  into  two  provinces,  called  East  and  West 
Florida,  over  each  of  which  an  English  colonial  government  was 
appointed,  with  their  respective  capitals  at  St.  Augustine  and  Pen- 
sacola. 

"  'James  Grant  was  made  Governor  of  East  Florida,  and  in 
1768  he  received  a  charter  from  the  G.  L.  of  Scotland  to  establish 
a  Lodge  in  St.  Augustine.  Its  registry  number  in  Scotland  was 
143;  the  same  year  (1768)  he  was  also  appointed  by  the  G.  L.  of 
Scotland  as  provincial  Grand  Master  of  the  Southern  District  of 
North  America,  which  embraced  East  and  West  Florida.  Soon 
after  his  appointment  (in  1770,  I  think)  he  established  a  Lodge  in 
West  Florida  at  Pensacola.  This  was  called  St.  Andrew's  Lodge,  No. 
1,  of  West  Florida. 

"  'I  know  of  no  other  Lodges  which  he  established  in  his  dis- 
trict. 

"  'St.  Andrew's  appears  to  have  worked  at  Pensacola  until  about 
the  close  of  the  Revolution,  when,  as  Florida  became  again  a  Span- 
ish province,  Pensacola  was  deserted  by  many  of  its  inhabitants, 
who  had  been  British  subjects,  they  removing  to  Charleston,  S.  C. 
This  removal  was  mostly  in  1783,  and  the  year  before,  and  with 
them  it  seems  St.  Andrew's  Lodge  was  also  removed,  as  this  diplo- 
ma shows,  and  also  the  records  of  the  G.  L.  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
it  applied   in  July,  1783,  for  a  charter  from  the  G.  L.  of  Pennsyl- 


<)_'  III  E   K  NIGHTS    I'I'.M  I'l.AK, 

vania.  which  was  granted  .Inly  12,  1783,  to  its  former  officers,  with 
its  No.  40,  on  the  Pa.  G.  L.  registry.  The  receipt  of  this  fa.  war- 
rant was  acknowledged  by  Geo.  Carter,  its  Master,  Sept.  29,  1783, 
and  it  was  between  the  time  of  its  granting  and  the  time  it  was 
received  that   this   diploma   was  given,  as  shown  by  its   date. 

"  'I  have  subsequent  notes  relating  to  this  Lodge,  but  they  are 
too   tedious    for   me   to   copy. 

"  'The  seal  of  this  Lodge,  after  it  became  No.  40  of  Pa.,  was 
not  the  seal  of  this  Lodge  while  St.  Andrew's,  No.  1. 

"  'The  first  seal  you  give  print  of  with  Lodge  No.  40,  at  the  bot- 
tom, was  like  the  inscription  on  the  fourth  design  at  the  head  of 
the  diploma,  as  shown  by  Bro.  Mackey  in  his  description.  This 
seal  was  probably  adopted  after  the  Lodge  became  No.  40. 

"  'The  print  of  the  seal  in  your  pamphlet,  page  7,  with  S.  C. 
Enc.  No.  1,  1780,  at  the  bottom,  with  some  design  as  former  above, 
was  probably  adopted  after  the  Lodge  became  connected  with  the 
Ancient  York  G.  L.  of  S.  C.  instead  of  Pa.,  or  perhaps,  as  it  gives 
no  number  of  its  S.  C.  registry,  it  may  have  assumed  to  be  an 
Encampment  distinct  from  its  former  Lodge  when  this  seal  was 
adopted. 

"  'The  date  1780  may  have  been  traditionally  true,  or  the 
Lodge  may  have  begun  to  confer  the  higher  degrees  in  that  year 
or  even  before  in  Pensacola.  These  higher  degrees  in  those  times 
were  conferred  by  no  statute  in  Masonry,  but  what  was  then  the 
common  or  unwritten  law  in  Masonry,  by  which  a  regular  Master's 
Lodge  conferred  any  higher  degrees  of  which  they  had  knowledge 
on  worthy  Master  Masons. 

"  'I  do  not  feel  able  to  extend  this  letter  to  you  further.  I  am 
too  feeble  to  fix  my  mind  on  the  subject  or  make  it  very  plain  to 
you,  and  to  copy  all  my  notes  relating  to  it  in  full  would  be  a  task 
I  can  not  undertake,  as  they  are  connected  with  and  scattered 
through  so  many  papers  and  subjects. 

"  'Thanking  you  for  your  great  kindness  I  am,  dear  sir  and 
brother,  Truly  yours, 

'"(Signed)   S.  HAYDEN. 

"The  foregoing  calls  for  something  more,  that  yon  may 
have  a  bird's-eye  view  of  the  condition  of  Templar  Masonry 
a  hundred  years  ago. 

"Sir  Knight  Alford  F.  Chapman  has  just  published  a 
volume,  entitled  'St.  Andrew's  Royal  Arch  Chapter,  of  Bos- 
ton, Mass.' 

"Sketches  from  the  records. 

"Detached   important   extracts   from  the    records    have 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  93 

been  published  heretofore.     They  were  so  important  as  to 
justify  the  publication  of  Bro.  Chapman's. 

"I  desire  to  call  your  attention  briefly  to  such  matters 
therein  as  relate  to  the  order  of  Knighthood. 

"  'First.  I  present  you  with  a  heliotype  of  a  summons 
taken  from  a  plate  for  the  summonses  of  the  chapter.  The 
plate  itself,  now  in  the  archives  of  the  chapter,  is  so  much 
worn  and  some  of  the  emblems  are  so  indistinct  that  no  more 
impressions  could  be  taken  from  it. 

"'The  record  shows  that  at  the  meeting  held  October 
21,  1790,  it  was  "Voted,  That  Bros.  McKean,  Moore, 
Grooves  and  Hurd  be  a  committee  to  procure  a  plate  for  the 
summonses  to  be  stamped  on." 

"  'Thus  authorized,  a  plate  was  designed  by  Bro.  Hurd, 
and  it  is  still  in  the  possession  of  the  chapter,  though  much 
worn;  a  sufficient  number  of  impressions  were  printed  from 
it,  June,  1877,  to  distribute  one  to  each  member. 

"  'As  described,  the  plate  is  ten  by  six  and  one-half 
inches.  The  plate  is  so  much  worn  that  but  few  more  im- 
pressions could  be  taken  from  it. 

'  T  was,  however,  so  fortunate  as  to  procure  the  use  of 
a  summons  printed  from  the  plate,  bearing  date  September 
14,  1801.  and  directed  to  Charles  Rummy,  from  which  the 
heliotype  now  presented  was  taken.  A  study  of  the  vari- 
ous emblems  delineated  upon  this  summons  verities  the 
record  that  the  four  degrees  of  Royal  Arch  Mason  included 
the  Order  of  Knights  Templar. 

"  'Some  of  my  correspondents,  speaking  of  the  South 
Carolina  diplomas,  had  never  heard  of  the  officers  "1st  and 
2d  Kings"  in  any  Masonic  body.  Bro.  Chapman,  vol.  V., 
on  page  194  of  the  Liberal  Free  Mason,  quoting  from  the 
record  of  St.  Andrew's  R.  A.  Chapter,  says:  "On  the  25th 
day  of  August,  1791,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  pro- 
cure jewels  for  the  lodge;  also  to  prepare  a  form  of  cer- 


94  T  HE   KNIGH  TS  TEM  PLAR, 

tificate  to  be  given  to  any  brother  who  might  apply,  and 
the  following  form  was  accepted  at  the  meeting  in  Sep- 
tember : 

'Now,  brethren,  behold,  what  glory,  and  see  the  peo- 
ple that  came  from  the  East! 

'We,  the  High  Priest,  First  and  Second  King,  and 
Scribe  of  Royal  Arch  Chapter,  held  at  Boston,  and  under  the 
sanction  of  St.  Andrew's  Lodge,  X<>.  82,  of  the  Register  of 
Scotland,  do  hereby  certify  and  attest  to  all  men  enlightened 
that  the  bearer  hereof,  our  faithful,  true,  and  well  beloved 
Brother  A.  B.,  was  by  us  received  as  a  Master  Mason,  and 

as  a  mark  due  to  his  diligence  and  zeal,  did,  on  the 

day  of in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1791, 

exalt  him  to  the  degrees  of  Excellent,  Super-Excellent,  and 
Royal  Arch  Mason  and  Knight  Templar,  worthy  to  be 
received  as  such  at  all  Royal  Arch  Chapters,  and  as  such  we 
recommend  him  to  all  Royal  Arch  Lodges  on  the  face  of 
the  globe. 

"'"(riven   under  our   hand   and   the   seal   of  our   Royal 

Arch  Lodge,  in  Boston,  this day  of 

1 791,  and  of  Royal  Arch  Masonry  3291,  and  in  the  vear  of 
Masonry,  5791.'' 

'  'It  appears  that  at  some  time,  either  when  adopted  or 
later,  the  word  "and  Knight  Templar,"  and  "and"  in  the 
attesting  clause,  were  erased  by  drawing  a  pen  through 
them;  the  subsequent  records,  however,  prompt  the  con- 
clusion that  the  "and  Knight  Templar"  were  not  erased  un- 
til they  ceased  to  confer  that  order.  The  summons  does 
not  contain  the  first  reference  to  Templarism.  St.  Andrew's 
Royal  Arch  Chapter  was  at  first  called  "St.  Andrew's  Royal 
Arch  Lodge"  or  "Lodge  of  Royal  Arch  Masons."  and  was 
held  under  the  sanction  of  the  charter  of  St.  Andrew's 
Lodere.'  " 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  95 

The  first  record  of  the  chapter  or  lodge  having  refer- 
ence to  the  orders  of  Knight  Templar  is  as  follows  : 

"At  a  Royal  Arch  Lodge  held  at  Mason's  hall,  Boston, 
New  England,  August  28,  1769. 

"Present,  the  R.  W.  Brother  James  Brown,  M. ;  Charles 
Chambers,  S.  W. ;  Winthrop  Gray,  J.  W. ;  William  McKean, 
John  Waddington,  Joshua  Loring,  D.  S. 

"The  petition  of  Brother  William  Davis  coming  before 
the  lodge  begging  to  have  and  receive  the  part  belonging  to 
a  Royal  Arch  Mason,  which  being  read  was  received,  and 
he  was  unanimously  voted  in,  and  was  accordingly  made 
by  receiving  the  four  steps,  that  of  an  Excellent,  Super- 
Excellent.  Royal  Arch  and  Knight  Templar." 

These  degrees,  or  "parts,"  or  "steps,"  are  in  the  subse- 
quent records  alluded  to  as  the  "four  degrees  of  a  Royal 
Arch  Mason." 

There  could  not  be  four  degrees  of  a  Royal  Arch  Mason 
without  including  Knight  Templar. 

The  lodge  was  a  "Royal  Arch  Lodge."  and  the  words 
"Royal  Arch  Mason"  included  the  possession  of  the  Order 
of  the  Temple. 

The  records  of  the  14th  of  May,  1770,  has  this: 

"Voted,  that  the  Most  Worshipful  Joseph  Warren,  Esq., 
should  lie  made  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  this  evening,  and  he 
was  accordingly  made,  gratis." 

Thus  it  appears  that  Gen.  Joseph  Warren,  who  was 
slain  at  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  was  a  Knight  Templar. 

The  record  of  another  meeting  reads: 

"The  petition  of  Bro.   Paul   Revere  coming  before  the 

lodge  begging  to  become  an  Arch  Mason,  it  was  received, 

and  was  unanimously  accepted,  and  accordingly  made."     So 

he,  too,  was  a  Knight  Templar. 

"Listen,  my  children,  and  you  shall  hear 
Of  the  midnight  ride  of  Paul  Revere, 


96  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

On  (he  eighteenth  of  April,  in  seventy-five, 

Hardly  a  man  in  town  alive 

Who  remembers  that  famous  day  and  year." 

I'lk'  only  reference  to  Knights  of  the  Red  Cross  is  the 
following  record  made  February  8,  1797,  when  it  was 

"Voted,  that  the  Knights  of  the  \<cd  Cross,  by  Bro. 
Benjamine  I  turd,  Jr.,  be,  and  are  hereby,  permitted  to  make 
their  records  on  the  books  of  the  chapter." 

This  was  not  done,  however,  and  there  is  no  subsequent 
notice  in  the  records  of  Knights  Templar  or  Knights  of  the 
Red  Cross. 

How  long  the  Knights  of  the  Red  Cross  had  been  at 
work  there  are  no  means  of  ascertaining  with  certainty. 

The  record  speaks  of  the  Knights  of  the  Red  Cross  as 
already  existing,  and  Benjamine  Htircl,  Jr.,  was  made  a 
Templar  March  20,  [789,  eigbt  years  before  the  ''Red 
Cross"  record,  last  quoted.  There  can  be  no  question  that 
the  Royal  Arch  Masons  and  Templars  of  St.  Andrew's 
Royal  Arch  Lodge  were  also  Knights  of  the  Red  Cross. 

These  Knights,  thus  made  in  St.  Andrew's  Royal  Arch 
Lodge,  subsequently,  when  the  time  arrived,  for  the  separa- 
tion of  the  chivalric  from  the  craft  masonry,  formed  Boston 
Encampment,  first  as  a  Council  of  Knights  of  the  Red  Cross, 
and  afterwards  embracing  the  three  Orders  of  Knighthood. 

Boston  Commandery,  by  its  Eminent  Commander, 
John  L.  Stevenson,  in  [883,  claimed  a  continuous  existence 
as  a  body  of  Knights,  though  under  different  organizations, 
from    [769,  and  put  forth  the  right  to  rank  from  that  date. 

Alfred  Creigh,  LL.  1).,  K.  T.,  etc.,  in  his  "History  of 
Knights  Templar  of  Pennsylvania,"  says:  "The  fire  of 
Templarism  was  lighted  upon  our  altar  as  early  as  February 
14,  1  7<>-4.  which  is  the  earliest  record  in  her  possession." 

Again,  after  giving  certain  reasons  why  the  Templars 
of  Pennsylvania  refused  at  first  to  join  in  the  formation  of 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  97 

the  Grand  Encampment  of  the  United  States,  he  says:  "But 
another  insuperable  objection  was  the  degree  of  the  Knights 
of  the  Red  Cross,  formed,  fashioned,  manufactured  for  New 
England  and  its  dependencies,  and  our  illustrious  brother 
has  well  said  that  the  Grand  Encampment  of  Massachusetts 
and  Rhode  Island  has  furnished  the  ritual  which  is  now 
used  in  all  the  Templar  Orders  in  the  United  States." 

Let  us  examine  into  the  character  of  the  Red  Cross  or- 
der, and  see  if  it  is  not  as  foreign  to  the  Order  of  Christian 
Knighthood  as  the  parables  of  Christ  are  to  the  building  of 
the  temple  in  the  degree. 

Again,  he  says:  "Do  you  ask  me  from  whence  is  the 
degree  of  Knight  of  the  Red  Cross  derived?  I  reply,  it  was 
manufactured  by  Webb  and  his  associates  from  the  Knight 
of  the  East  or  Sword,  Knight  of  the  East,  and  Knight  of  the 
East  and  West,  and  other  degrees  of  the  Ancient  Accepted 
Scottish  Rite." 

Sir  Knight  Creigh  says  that  Webb  received  his  Masonic 
degrees  in  Philadelphia  prior  to  1802,  and  that  his  Masonic 
labors  in  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island  were  after  that 
date. 

And,  now,  at  this  late  day,  we  discover  that  the  orders 
of  the  Knight  of  the  Red  Cross  and  Knight  Templar  were 
in  1783 — eleven  years  before  the  earliest  date  of  the  his- 
toriographer— conferred  in  a  lodge  holding  charter  of  recog- 
nition under  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsylvania. 

May  we  not  well  exclaim  with  our  illustrious  Bro.  Pike, 
"How  little  we  know  of  the  early  history  of  Masonry  in 
this  country !" 

The  records  of  St.  Andrew's  Royal  Arch  Chapter  con- 
tains the  following  entry : 

"On  January  7,  1790,  the  degrees  were  conferred  on 
Ephraim  Carter,  on  which  occasion  the  words  'Knight 
Templar'   are   entered    in  the  records.     William  Cordwell 


98  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

was  present,  also  Samuel  Moore  and  John  Cadewas  Tyler; 
this  shows  that  Cordwell,  as  well  as  the  others,  was  a  Knight 
Templar. 

"Sept.  25,  3294."  that  is,  1794,  "present,  Win.  S.  Moore, 
M.  and  R.  A.  M. ;  W.  Harris,  sec;  W.  McKean,  W.  Cord- 
well,  A.  Newell,  W.  Williams,  E.  Rumney. 

"Candidates  to  he  advanced  to  the  degree  of  Excellent, 
Super-Excellent,  Royal  Arch  and  Knight  Templar,  Bro. 
Robert  Harris,  William  Francis  and  Ehenezer  Perkins,  of 
Xewburyport." 

Past  Grand  Master  Gardner  says: 

"Newhnryport  Encampment  of  Knights  Templar  was 
established  at  Newhnryport,  Mass.,  in  1795.  Its  old 
records  have  been  lost,  and  the  particulars  of  its  organiza- 
tion cannot  now  he  obtained.  It  was  formed  by  an  uncon- 
stituted  association  of  Knights." 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  99 


THE  TEAR. 

When  friendship  or  love  our  sympathies  move, 
When  Truth  in  a  glance  should  appear, 

The  lips  may  beguile  with  a  dimple  or  smile, 
But  the  test  of  affection's  a  tear. 

Too  oft  is  a  smile  but  the  hypocrite's  wile 

To  mask  detestation  or  fear; 
Give  me  the  soft  sigh,  whilst  the  soul-telling  eye 

Is  dimm'd  for  a  time  with  a  tear. 

Mid  charity's  glow,  to  us  mortals  below, 

Shows  the  soul  from  barbarity  clear; 
Compassion  will  melt  where  this  virtue  is  fell, 

And  its  dew  is  diffused  in  a  tear. 

The  man  doom'd  to  sail  with  the  blast  of  the  gale, 

Through  billows  Atlantic  to  steer, 
As  he  bends  o'er  the  wave  which  may  soon  be  his  grave, 

The  green  sparkles  bright  with  a  tear. 

The  soldier  braves  death  for  a  fanciful  wreath 

In  Glory's  romantic  career; 
But  he  raises  the  foe  when  in  battle  laid  low. 

And  bathes  every  wound  with  a  tear. 

If  with  high-bounding  pride  he  return  to  his  bride, 

Renouncing  the  gore-crimson'd  spear, 
All  his  toils  are  repaid,  when,  embracing  the  maid, 

From  her  eyelid  he  kisses  the  tear. 

Sweet  scene  of  my  youth!  seat  of  friendship  and  Truth, 
"Where  love  chased  each  fast-fleeting  year, 

Loth  to  leave  thee,  I  mourn'd,  for  a  last  look  I  turn'd, 
But  thy  spire  was  scarce  seen  through  a  tear. 

Though  my  vows  I  can  pour  to  my  Mary  no  more, 

My  Mary  to  love  once  so  dear, 
In  the  shade  of  her  bower  I  remember  the  hour 

She   rewarded  those  vows  with   a  Tear. 

By  another  possest,  may  she  live  ever  blest ! 

Her  name  still  my  heart  must  revere: 
With  a  sigh  I  resign  what  I  once  thought  was  mine, 

And  forgive  her  deceit  with  a  tear. 


I OO  111  K   K  N 1  GUTS  TEM  PJ ,A  K, 

Ye  friends  of  my  heart,  ere  from  you  I  depart, 
This  hope  to  my  breast  is  most  near: 

If  again  we  shall  meet  in  this  rural  retreat, 
May  we  meet,  as  we  part,  with  a  tear. 

When  my  soul  wings  her  flight  to  the  regions  of  night, 
And  my  corpse  shall  recline  on  its  bier, 

As  ye  pass  by  the  tomb  where  my  ashes  consume, 
Oh!   moisten  their  dust  with  a  Tear. 

May  no  marble  bestow  the  splendor  of  woe, 

Which  the  children  of  vanity  rear; 
No  fiction  of  fame  shall  blazon  my  name, 

All  I  ask — all  I  wish — is  a  Tear. 

— Byron. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  IOI 


THE  GRAND  ENCAMPMENT  OF  KNIGHTS 
TEMPLAR  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

The  Grand  Lodge  of  Scotland  granted  charters  to  the 
following  lodges  in  America,  which  are  supposed  to  have 
had  authority  to  confer  the  Royal  Arch  and  Knights  Tem- 
plar : 

Hampton,  Virginia,  March  9,  1756. 

St.  Andrew's,  Boston,  Mass.,  No.  81,  Nov.  3,  1756. 

Brandford,  St.  George  Co.,  Virginia,  No.  82,  Feb.  19. 
1760. 

Union  Lodge,  South  Carolina,  No.  98,  Feb.   19,   1760. 

St.  John  Lodge,  Norfolk,  Virginia,  Aug.  8,  1763. 

St.  John  Lodge,  Philadelphia,  1773. 

There  were  also  chartered  in  Virginia  by  the  Lodge  of 
Kilwinning:  Tappahannock,  1758,  and  Falmouth,  1775, 
and  the  Lodge  Grants,  No.  143.  East  Florida,  was  chartered 
March  15,  1768,  and  at  the  same  time  Gov.  James  Grant  was 
made  Prow  Grand  Master  of  the  Scotch  lodges  in  the  South- 
ern District  of  North  America. 

May  31,  1769,  Dr.  Joseph  Warren,  at  the  request  of  the 
Boston  lodges,  was  appointed  ''Prov.  Grand  Master  over  the 
lodges  in  Boston." 

It  is  supposed  that  Gov.  Grant  chartered  other  lodges  in 
Florida  than  those  above  named,  and  did  not  report  the 
fact  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Scotland. 

We  make  mention  of  these  Scotch  lodges  in  connection 
with  this  work  because  of  the  fact  that  the  Royal  Arch  and 
Templar  Masonry  owe  its  origin  largely  to  the  Symbolic 
lodges  of  Scotland. 

As  heretofore  mentioned  we  rind  the  earliest  mention 
of  the  conferring  of  the  Royal  Arch  in  this  country  in 
Florida,  South  Carolina.  Massachusetts  and  Pennsylvania 
in  the  Scotch  lodges. 


[Q2  ill  E    KNIGHTS    TEMPLAR, 

In  [805  a  Grand  Encampment  had  been  formed  in 
Providence,  R.  I.,  claiming  jurisdiction  in  "any  state  and 
territory  wherein  there  is  not  a  Grand  Encampment  regu- 
larly   established."      It    had    two    subordinates    in     Rhode 

Island  and  three  in  Massachusetts  (including  Maine).  It 
styled  itself  the  "United  States  Grand  Encampment." 

In  1S1  1  a  committee  from  this  body,  of  which  Thomas 
Smith  Webb  was  chairman,  was  appointed  to  correspond 
with  other  Encampments,  with  a  view  of  securing  their 
co-operation.  This  committee  reported  progress  the  next 
year  and  was  continued,  hut  no  further  report  is  recorded. 

But  on  May  15.  1S15.  the  following  resolutions  were 
adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  three  delegates  he  appointed  from  this 
Grand  Encampment  to  meet  and  confer  with  any  or  all 
other  Grand  Encampments  that  are  now  established  within 
the  United  States,  or  with  such  delegates  as  may  be  ap- 
pointed by  any  or  all  of  the  said  Grand  Encampments  upon 
the  subject  of  a  general  union  of  all  the  Encampments  of 
the  United  States  under  one  head  and  general  form  of  gov- 
ernment, and  that  the  said  delegates  be  and  are  hereby  in- 
vested with  full  power  and  authority  to  enter  into  such  en- 
gagements and  stipulations,  and  make  such  arrangements 
upon  the  said  subject  as  they  may  deem  expedient  and 
proper  to  promote  the  honor  and  interests  of  the  orders  of 
Knighthood. 

"Resolved,  That  M.  W.  Thomas.  Smith  Webb  and  \Y. 
Sir  Henry  Fowle,  of  Boston,  and  W.  Sir  John  Snow,  of 
Providence,  he,  and  they  are  hereby,  appointed  delegates 
for  the  before  mentioned  purposes." 

There  was  also  at  this  time  a  Grand  Encampment  in 
Xew  York.  It  had  no  subordinates,  although  Columbian 
Encampment  had  applied  for  a  charter  of  recognition  and 
one  had  been  ordered  issued. 


HISTORY"  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  10^ 

At  a  special  meeting  of  this  body,  June  9,  181 6,  held 
to  consider  the  propriety  of  appointing  a  delegate  to  the 
convention,  "to  be  held  in  Philadelphia  on  Tuesday  next," 
it  was  unanimously  resolved  "That  Sir  Thomas  Lowndes 
be  delegated  from  this  Grand  Encampment  to  said  conven- 
tion, with  powers  to  propose  the  acknowledgment  of  a 
General  Grand  Encampment  tor  the  United  States  of 
America,  should  one  be  formed  by  said  convention;  pro- 
vided the  said  General  Grand  Encampment  recognizes  this 
Grand  Encampment  in  its  present  powers,  and  as  supreme 
over  the  state  of  New  York." 

There  was  also  a  Grand  Encampment  in  Pennsylvania. 

The  holding  of  the  convention  was  evidently  based 
upon  the  expectation  that  the  three  grand  bodies  named 
would  be  represented  and  participate. 

The  convention  was  held,  but  no  record  of  its  action, 
if  any  was  ever  made,  lias  been  preserved. 

At  the  next  meeting  of  the  United  States  Grand  En- 
campment Webb  made  a  report  stating  that  it  was  im- 
possible for  the  three  Grand  Encampments  to  unite  in 
effecting  the  object  for  which  they  had  met ;  whereupon 
"a  part  of  the  delegates  agreed  to  adjourn  to  the  city  of 
New  York,   and  the  convention   was  dissolved." 

The  delegates  returned  to  New  York  and  a  convention 
was  held  there  by'parties  claiming  to  be  "Delegates  or 
Knight  companions  from  eight  councils,"  etc. 

The  record  of  the  formation  of  the  Grand  Encampment 
of  the  United  States  of  America  reads  as  follows  : 

"At  a  convention  holden  at  Masons'  Hall  in  the  city 
of  New  York,  on  the  20th  and  21st  of  June,  1816,  con- 
sisting of  delegates  or  Knights  Companions  from  eight 
councils  and  Encampments  of  Knights  Templar  and  ap- 
pendant orders,  viz : 

"Boston  Encampment,  Boston. 


I<>4  'I'll  E    KNIGHTS    TKM  PLAR, 

"St.  John's  Encampment,  Providence. 

"Ancient  Encampment,  New  York. 

"Templar  Encampment,  Albany. 

"Montg< wmery  Encampment,  Stillwater. 

"St.  Paul's  Encampment.  Newburyport. 

"Newport  Encampment,  Newport. 

"Darius  Council,  Portland." 

In  [816,  when  the  national  organization  of  Templars 
was  commenced,  it  was  denominated  "The  General  Grand 
Encampment  of  Knights  Templar  and  Appendant  Orders 
fur  the   United   States  of  America." 

The  state  grand  bodies  were  called  Grand  Encampments, 
and  their  subordinates  Encampments.  There  was  no  pro- 
vision in  the  constitution  fixing  the  title  of  officers  in  either 
of  the  three  grades  of  Encampments,  but  usage  gave  the 
prefix  of  Most  Eminent  to  each. 

The  General  Grand  Encampment  was  formed  after  the 
model  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter,  and  the  constitution 
of  the  General  Grand  Chapter  was  taken  as  the  basis  of 
the  constitution  framed  in  Xew  York  in  1816. 

For  General  Grand  Chapter  was  substituted  General 
Grand  Encampment:  for  Most  Excellent  General  Grand 
High  Priest,  Most  Eminent  General  Grand  Master ;  for 
state  Grand  Chapters,  state  Grand  Encampment;  for  Most 
Excellent  Grand  High  Priest.  Most  Eminent  Grand  Mas- 
ter; for  Chapters,  Encampments:  and  for  Most  Excellent 
High  Priest.  Most  Eminent  Commander. 

It  might  be  noted  here  that  in  the  old  constitution  of  En- 
campments of  Knights  Templar  prior  to  1816  there  were 
no  Grand  Prelate  nor  Grand  Warden.  The  Grand  Master 
was  called  Most  Worshipful,  and  other  grand  officers  Wor- 
shipful; then  titles  were  changed  from  Worshipful  to  Em- 
inent in    [816. 

In  1856,  when  the  General  Grand  Encampment  met  in 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  IO5 

Hartford,  Connecticut,  it  was  considered  necessary  to  amend 
the  constitution,  and  make  it  conform  to  the  existing"  and 
contemplated  prosperity  of  the  Order. 

It  was  at  this  meeting-  that  the  changes  in  titles  and 
nomenclature  were  made,  and  more  decided  expression 
given  in  the  constitution  to  the  powers  of  the  central  gov- 
ernment. 

The  word  "General"  was  stricken  out.  so  that  the  na- 
tional body  was  called  ''Grand  Encampment,"  the  state 
grand  bodies,  "Grand  Commanderies,"  and  their  subor- 
dinates, "Commanderies." 

The  titles  were  also  changed  so  that  in  the  Grand  En- 
campment of  the  United  States  we  have  M.  E,  Grand  Mas- 
ter, R.  E.  Deputv  Grand  Master,  and  V.  E.  for  the  other 
Grand  Officers. 

In  the  state  Grand  Commanderies,  R.  E.  Grand  Com- 
mander, V.  E.  Deputy  Grand  Commander,  and  E,  for  the 
other  Grand  Officers. 

In  the  subordinate  Commanderies,  E.  Commander. 

At  this  meeting  the  terminal  "s"  was  omitted  from  the 
word  "Templar"  in  "Knights  Templar." 

At  the  adoption  of  the  present  constitution  of  the  Grand 
Encampment  in  1856  there  were  eleven  Grand  Command- 
eries with  a  membership  of  not  to  exceed  thirty-five  hun- 
dred. 

The  Grand  Commanderies  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Grand  Encampment,  in  1856,  were:  Massachusetts  and 
Rhode  Island,  Maine.  Vermont,  Connecticut,  Xew  York, 
Ohio,   Kentucky,   Virginia,   Pennsylvania,   Indiana,   Texas. 

There  were  forty-two  Commanderies  outside  the  juris- 
diction of  Grand  Commanderies  under  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  Grand  Encampment  with  a  membership  of  one  thou- 
sand three  hundred  and  sixty-six,  which,  added  to  the 
membership    under    allegiance    to    Grand    Commanderies, 


!<><> 


THE    KNIGH 


■l.Ak 


made  a  total  membership  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the* 
Grand  Encampment  of  the  United  States  of  America  of 
not  to  exceed  five  thousand,  while  at  the  present  time  there 
arc  forty-seven  Grand  Cbmmanderies  and  nine  subordinate 
Commanderies  working  by  authority  of  the  Grand  Encamp- 
ment of  the  United  States  of  America  with  a  membership 
in  [913  of  221. /Sj,  Illinois  ranking  third  with  a  member- 
ship of  17.14-'. 


PRECEDENCE  OP  GRAND  COMMANDERIES  BASED  UPON  THE 
DATES  OF  THEIR  RESPECTIVE   ORGANIZATIONS. 

1.  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island May 

_\  New  York June 

3.  Virginia Nov. 

4.  Vermont June 

5.  New  Hampshire June 

6.  Connecticut Sept. 

7.  Ohio Oct. 

8.  Kentucky Oct. 

9.  Maine , May 

10.  Pennsylvania April 

1  1.  Indiana May 

1  2.  Texas Jan. 

[3.  Mississippi Jan. 

14.  Michigan Vpril 

1  5.  Illinois Oct. 

[6.  California \ug. 

]  7.  Tennessee Oct. 

18.  Wisconsin Oct. 

19.  New  Jersey Feb. 

20.  Georgia April 

21.  Missouri May 

22.  Alabama Nov. 


0, 

1805 

18, 

1814 

-7. 

1823 

27. 

1824 

Vv 

1826 

13. 

1827 

24. 

1843 

15. 

1847 

5  j 

1852 

12, 

1854 

16, 

1854 

18. 

1855 

21. 

1857 

7- 

1857 

2/. 

1857 

10, 

1S5S 

12, 

1850 

20. 

1859 

14. 

i860 

25- 

i860 

22 

i860 

29, 

i860 

23- 
24. 

25- 
26. 

-?7- 
28. 
29. 

30- 
3'- 
3-7- 
33- 
34- 
35- 
36. 
37- 
38: 

39- 
40. 

4i- 

42. 
43- 

44- 

45- 

46. 

47- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY. 

Louisiana    Feb. 

Iowa June 

Minnesota Oct. 

Kansas Dec. 

Maryland Jan. 

Nebraska Dec. 

Arkansas March 

West  Virginia Feb. 

Colorado March 

North  Carolina May 

South   Dakota May 

Oregon April 

Washington June 

Wyoming March 

Montana May 

North  Dakota June 

Arizona Now 

Florida Aug. 

Indian   Territory Dec. 

District  of  Columbia Jan. 

Oklahoma  Territory Feb. 

New  Mexico Aug. 

Idaho Vug. 

South  Carolina March 

Utah \pril 


107 


12 

1864 

.6 

1864 

23 

1865 

29 

1868 

-'3 

1871 

27 

1871 

23 

1872 

25 

1874 

f4 

1876 

10 

1881 

14 

1884 

13 

1887 

2 

1887 

8 

1888 

•4 

1888 

16 

1890 

16 

1893 

15 

1895 

27 

1895 

14 

1896 

10 

1896 

21 

1 90 1 

31 

1904 

25 

1907 

20 

1910 

SUBORDINATE    COMMANDERIES    CONSTITUENT   TO   THE 
GRAND  ENCAMPMENT  LIST,  1913. 

Name  and  Location.  Date  of  Charter. 

Alaska,  U.  D.,  Fairbanks,  Alaska July       17,  191 1 

St.  John's,  No.  7,  Wilmington,  Del Sept.      18.  1868 

Honolulu,   No.    1,    Honolulu.   Hawaii Sept.     20,1871 

Far  East,  No.  1,  Manila,  P.  I Vug.      1 1,  T910 


t08  I'll  E    KNIGHTS    TKM  PLAR, 

Mexico  City,  No.   i.  Mexico  City,  Mexico.  .July       n,  1907 

DeWitt  Clinton.  No.  1,  Reno,  Nev Sept.     15,1868 

Malta.  No.  3,  Goldfield,  Nev July       it.  T907 

Canal  Zone,  C.  I)..  Las  Cascadas,  Panama . April  1  1,  1912 
Membership  of  above  Commanderies,  1,203.  °f  which 
number  St.  John's  Commander}',  No.  1,  Wilmington.  Dele- 
ware,  has  513.  Canal  Zone,  Las  Cascadas,  Panama,  99, 
and  there  are  46  in  Alaska,  131  in  Hawaii,  106  in  the 
Philippines,  147  in  Mexico. 


GRAND  MASTERS  OF  THE  GRAND  ENCAMPMENT. 

Giving  Number  of  Conclave,  Year  Held,  and,  if  Not 

Living,  Date  of  Death. 

First  Conclave — 1816 — De  Witt  Clinton.  New  York, 
X.  Y. 

Second  Conclave — 1819 — De  Witt  Clinton,  New  York, 
X.  Y. 

Third  Conclave — 1826 — De  Witt  Clinton,  New  York. 
X.  Y. ;  died  February  11.  1828. 

Fourth  Conclave — 1829 — Rev.  Jonathan  Nye,  Clare- 
mont,  N.  H. 

Fifth  Conclave — 1832 — Rev.  Jonathan  Nye.  Claremont, 
X.  H. ;  died  April    1,   1843. 

Sixth  Conclave — 1835 — James  Madison  Allen,  Cayuga, 
X.  Y. 

Seventh  Conclave — 1838 — James  Madison  Allen,  Cayu- 
ga. N.  Y. 

Eighth  Conclave — 1841 — James  Madison  Allen.  Cayu- 
ga,  X'.  Y. ;  died . 

Ninth  Conclave — 1844 — Archibald  Bull,  Troy,  XT.  Y. ; 
died  December  22,  1865. 

Tenth  Conclave — 1847 — William  Blackstone  Hubbard, 
Columbus,  O. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  lOO, 

Eleventh  Conclave — 1850 — William  Blackstone  Hub- 
bard, Columbus,  O. 

Twelfth  Conclave — 1853 — William  Blackstone  Hub- 
bard, Columbus,  O. 

Thirteenth  Conclave — 1856 — William  Blackstone  Hub- 
bard, Columbus,  O. ;  died  January  5,  1866. 

Fourteenth  Conclave — 1859- — Benjamin  Brown  French, 
Washington,  D.  C. 

Fifteenth  Conclave — 1862 — Benjamin  Brown  French, 
Washington,  D.  C. ;  died  August  12,  1870. 

Sixteenth  Conclave — 1865 — Henry  L.  Palmer,  Milwau- 
kee, Wis.;  died  May  7,   1909. 

Seventeenth  Conclave — 1868 — William  Sewall  Gardi- 
ner, Newton,  Mass.;  died  April  4,  1888. 

Eighteenth  Conclave — 1871 — John  O.  A.  Fellows,  New 
Orleans,  La. ;  died  November  28,  1897. 

Nineteenth  Conclave — 1874 — James  Herron  Hopkins, 
Washington,  D.  C. ;  died  June  18,  1904. 

Twentieth  Conclave — 1877 — Vincent  Lombard  Hurl- 
but,  Chicago,  111.;  died  July  24,  1896. 

Twenty-First  Conclave — 1880 — Benjamin  Dean,  Bos- 
ton, Mass.;  died  April  9,  1897. 

Twenty-Second  Conclave — 1883- — Robert  Enoch  With- 
ers, Wythesville,  Va. ;  died  September  21,  1907. 

Twenty-Third  Conclave — 1886 — Charles  Roome,  New 
York,  N.  Y. ;  died  June  2S,  1890. 

Twenty-Fourth  Conclave — 1889 — John  P.  S.  Gobin, 
Lebanon,  Pa.;  died  May  1,  1910. 

Twenty-Fifth  Conclave — 1892 — Hugh  McCurdy,  Cor- 
runa,  Mich.;  died  July  16,  1908. 

Twenty-Sixth  Conclave — 1895 — Warren  La  Rue  Thom- 
as, Danville,  Ky. 

Twenty-Seventh  Conclave — 1898 — Reuben  Hedley 
Lloyd,  San  Francisco,  Cal. ;  died  March  10,  1909. 


1IO  THE    KNIGHTS    TEMPLAR, 

Twenty-Eighth  Conclave — 190 1 — Henry  Bates  Stod- 
dard. Bryan,  Texas. 

Twenty-Ninth  Conclave — 1904 — George  Mayhew  Moul- 
ton.  Chicago,  111. 

Thirtieth  C"oncla\e — 1907 — Henry  \Y.  Rugg,  Provi- 
dence, I\.  I.;  died  July  2J,   1910. 

Thirty-First  Conclave — 1910 — William  Bromwell  Mel- 
ish,  Cincinnati.  O. 

Thirty-Second  Conclave — 1913 — Arthur  Mc  Arthur, 
Troy,  N.V 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  1 1  I 


IN  ILLINOIS. 

The  roses  nowhere  bloom  so  bright 

As  in  Illinois; 
The  sunshine  shines   nowhere  so  bright 

As  in  Illinois; 
The  birds  sing  nowhere  quite  so  sweet, 
And  nowhere  hearts  so  lightly  beat, 
For  Heaven  and  earth  both  seem  to  meet 

In  Illinois. 

The  days  are  never  quite  so  long 

As  in  Illinois; 
Nor  quite  so  filled  witb  happy  song 

As   in    Illinois; 
And  when  my  time  lias  come  to  die, 
Just  take  me  back  and  let    me  lie 
Close  where  the  river  comes  rolling  by 

In   Illinois. 

There  is  nowhere  a  land  so  fair 

As  in  Illinois; 
So  full  of  song,  so  free  of  care, 

As  in  Illinois; 
And  I  believe  that  happy  land 
The  Lord's  prepared  for  mortal  man, 
Is  built  exactly  on  the  plan 

Of  Illinois. 


112  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 


THE   IXTRODUCTION   OF  TEMPLAR   MASONRY 
IN  ILLINOIS. 

The  first  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar  organized  in 
Illinois  was  Apollo  Commandery,  No.  I,  Chicago,  whose 
petitioners  received  a  dispensation  from  Jas.  K.  Stapleton, 
Deputy  Grand  Master  of  the  Grand  Encampment  of  the 
United  States,  dated  May  5,  1845. 

The  dispensation  was  received  May  15,  1845.  and  au- 
thorized the  petitioners  "to  open  and  hold  an  encampment 
of  Knights  Templar  and  Knights  of  Malta,  and  council  of 
the  appendant  orders  at  the  city  of  Chicago,  by  the  name  of 
Apollo  Encampment,  No.  1,  with  the  officers  and  other 
privileges,  in  accord  with  the  prayer  of  the  petitioners,  un- 
til the  second  Thursday  of  September,  in  the  year  1847." 

On  the  same  date  the  dispensation  was  received  Apollo 
Encampment,  No.  1,  was  duly  formed  and  opened  in  solemn 
form.  There  were  present  Most  Excellent  and  Reverend 
Sir  William  Frederick  Walker,  Grand  Commander ;  Emi- 
nent Sir  John  Roman  Case,  Generalissimo ;  Eminent  Sir 
William  Stuart,  Captain  General,  and  Sir  Knights  Henry 
lirown,  William  Moreland,  Davis  Ryan,  A.  B.  Lewis  and 
John  Ranney.  The  above  named  Sir  Knights,  together  with 
S.  H.  Gilbert,  Isaac  Haight  and  G.  C.  Blodgett,  were  ap- 
pendant to  the  petition  for  an  encampment. 

The  first  conclave  was  held  in  the  forenoon  of  May  20. 
[845,  in  the  Masonic  hall,  Loomis  building,  corner  Clark 
and  Water  streets,  at  which  Conclave  the  order  of  the  Red 
Cross  was  conferred  on  Companions  Jacob  Beison,  W.  A. 
Rowlatt,  W.  S.  Brown,  P.  P.  Robinson.  Charles  Robert 
Starkweather,  Charles  Follansbee  and  C.  Britain. 

On  May  23.  1845,  the  Order  of  the  Temple  was  con- 
ferred upon  Illustrious  Knights  of  the  Red  Cross  Philip  P. 
Robinson,  W.  S.  Brown  and  Rev.  W.  A.  Rowlatt. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  113 

Apollo  Encampment,  No.  1,  continued  to  work  under 
dispensation  until  1847,  when,  on  September  16th,  the 
Grand  Encampment  ordered  a  charter  issued. 

The  second  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar  organized 
in  the  slate  of  Illinois  was  Belvidere  Encampment,  Xo.  2, 
at  Alton,  111.,  under  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Encamp- 
ment, dated  May  13,  [853. 

The  third  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar  organized 
in  the  state  of  Illinois  was  Center  Encampment,  at  Decatur, 
under  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Encampment,  dated 
July  22,   1856. 

On  November  i,  [856,  the  Grand  Master,  upon  petition, 
extended  and  renewed  the  life  of  this  dispensation,  chang- 
ing the  name  to  Central  Commander)',  until  the  second 
Tuesday  in  Septemher,  [859,  when  a  further  dispensation 
was  granted  by  the  Grand  Encampment  of  the  United 
States,  in  session  Septemher  [9,  1859,  until  the  ensuing 
session  of  the  Grand  Commandery-  of  Illinois,  when,  on 
November  3,  1859,  a  further  dispensation  was  granted  by 
the  Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois,  to  expire  October  27. 
i860',  changing  the  name  to  Beaumanoir  Commandery,  by 
which  name  it  has  since  been  known,  and  as  Xo.  9,  under 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Commander)-  of  Illinois. 

The  fourth  encampment  established  by  the  Grand  En- 
campment of  the  United  States  in  Illinois  was  Peoria  En- 
campment, at  Peoria,  111.,  by  dispensation  issued  by  the 
Grand  Master  July  2$,  [856,  and  was  chartered  September 
15.   1856. 

The  fifth  encampment  established  by  the  Grand  En- 
campment of  the  United  States  in  Illinois  was  Freeport  En- 
campment. Xo.  5,  by  dispensation  dated  June  10,  1857; 
chartered  September  16,  [859.  This  was  the  last  encamp- 
ment created  by  the  Grand  Encampment  of  the  United 
States  in  Illinois. 


114  THE    KM  CUTS   TEMPLAR, 

The  Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois  was  organized  at  a 
convention  of  Knights  Templar,  convened  in  the  city  of 
Chicago  en  Tuesday,  the  27th  October,  1857,  A.  ().  739, 
at  10:30  o'clock  a.  M.,  agreeable  to  a  call  of  the  several  com- 
manderies  of  the  state,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  Grand 
Commandery  of  Knights  Templar  for  the  state  of  Illinois, 
by  order  of  lM.  E.  Sir  William  Blackstone  Hubbard,  (irand 
Master  of  Knights  Templar  of  the  United  States  of  Ameri- 
ca.     [See  History  G.  C.     See  vol.  2,  page  1.] 

Early  in  the  month  of  December,  1857,  the  Grand  Com- 
mander of  the  (irand  Commandery  of  Illinois  received  at 
the  same  time  two  petitions  for  dispensation  to  form  and 
open  commanderies,  the  one  at  Joliet  and  the  other  at  Mor- 
ris, 111.,  both  signed  by  a  constitutional  number  of  Knights 
Templar,  and  both  recommended,  on  the  same  date,  by 
Apollo  Commandery,  No.  I,  neither  petition  having  prece- 
dence in  date  of  application,  the  two  cities  being  only  a  few 
miles  distant  from  each  other. 

The  Grand  Commander  granted  a  dispensation  to  the 
Sir  Knights  at  Joliet  to  form  and  open  a  Commandery  of 
Knights  Templar  and  the  appendant  orders,  at  the  city  of 
Joliet,  by  the  name  of  Joliet  Commandery,  and  also  granted 
a  dispensation  to  the  Sir  Knights  of  Morris  to  form  and 
open  a  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar  and  appendant 
orders  in  that  city  by  the  name  of  Blaney  Commandery. 
both   dispensations  bearing  date  February    17.    1858.   A.  O. 

739- 

On  October  26,   1858,  the  (irand  Commandery  granted 

charters  to  Joliet  Commandery.  as  No.  4.  and  to  Blaney 
Commandery,  as  No.  5.  They  are  the  twin  commanderies 
of  the  (irand  Commandery  of  Illinois,  and  Blaney  Com- 
mandery, No.  5,  is  the  mother  commandery  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, Xo.  10. 

Sir   Knights    W.    H.    L.    Wallace,   John    B,    Peckham, 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COM MANDERY.  115 

Daniel  H.  Ashton,  S.  C.  Miner  and  Ouincy  D.  Whitman, 
among  the  petitioners  and  charter  members  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery,  No.  10,  were  knighted  in  Blaney  Commandery, 
No.  5,  and  Blaney  Commandery  recommended  the  prayer  of 
the  petitioners  for  a  commandery  at  Ottawa.  111.,  to  the 
favorable  consideration  <>f  the  Grand  Commander}-  of  Illi- 
nois, and  the  best  of  fraternal  relations  have  always  existed 
between  the  two  commanderies. 

Oliver  Cromwell  Gray  and  James  Rhoads,  the  two  first 
officers  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  were  knighted  in  Pitts- 
burg Commandery,  No.   1,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 


R.  E.  SIR  JOHN   FISK  NASH. 

Sir  John  Fisk  Nash,  to  whose  memory  we  dedicate  this 
work,  was  Eminent  Commander  of  Ottawa  Commandery 
during  the  years  [869  and  1877,  inclusive,  and  Grand  Com- 
mander of  the  Grand  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar  of 
Illinois  in  1878.  He  was  one  1  f  the  first  created  a  Knights 
Templar  in  Ottawa  Commandery.  At  the  time  of  his  death 
he  was  the  ranking  Past  Commander  of  Ottawa  Command- 
er}', and  Past  Commander  of  the  Grand  Commandery  by 
seniority  of  service,  and  by  far  the  senior  in  age. 

Sir  Knight  Nash  was  born  at  Williamsburg,  Mass.,  De- 
cember [6,  1824,  and  came  west  in  1840,  locating  at  Gran- 
ville, 111.,  where  he  married  on  the  26th  of  November,  1847, 
Lura  M.  Penned,  who  died  January  18,  [917,  in  her  ninety- 
second  year.  He  came  to  Ottawa,  111.,  in  1847,  where  he 
began  the  study  of  law  in  October.  1849,  and  was  admitted 
to  the  bar  in  [856.  He  was  later  elected  Circuit  Clerk  of 
La  Salle  count}-,  which  office  he  held  five  years.  He  was 
later  chief  clerk  of  the  State  Senate  at  Springfield.  He  was 
cashier  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  Ottawa  for  thirty-five 
years,  resigning  from  that  position  in   1900,  being  then  at 


i  [6 


II  E    KNIGHTS    I'l'.M  PLAR, 


R.  E.  SIR  JOHN  FISK  NASH, 

Grand  Commander  Grand  Commandcry,  1S7S. 

Born  December  16,  1824;   died  July  6,  1913. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  11/ 

the  ripe  age  of  seventy-seven  years,  and  feeling  that  he 
was  entitled  to  a  rest  from  the  labors  of  what  to  most  men 
is  a  life  time. 

He  was  raised  Master  Mason  in  Occidental  Lodge  in 
[85  1,  and  was  Master  of  the  lodge  during  the  years  [863-64. 
Was  exalted  Royal  Arch  Mason  in  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.. 
37,  lv.  A.  M.,  June  2  1 .  [856,  and  was  High  Priest  of  said 
chapter  in  1865.  Was  created  a  Knights  Templar  in  Ot- 
tawa Commandery,  while  working  under  dispensation, 
March  S,  [861.  Was  Eminent  Commander  from  [869  to 
1877,  inclusive,  and  Grand  Commander  of  the  Grand  Com- 
mandery of  Illinois  in   r.878. 

In  all  these  official  positions  he  won  the  commendation 
of  his  brothers  and  fraters  1>v  his  faithful  and  efficient  serv- 
ices. 

He  died  Sunday,  July  6,  1913.  His  funeral  services 
were  held  from  Christ  Episcopal  Church  on  Tuesday  after- 
noon at  4  o'clock,  after  which  the  body  was  conveyed  to 
Ottawa  Avenue  Cemetery,  escorted  by  Ottawa  Command- 
ery, Xo.  to,  K.  T..  where  the  beautiful  Templar  burial 
services  were  rendered  under  the  direction  of  K.  E.  Sir 
William  Leslie  Sharp.,  Grand  Commander  of  the  Grand 
Commander}',  K.  T.,  ol   Illinois. 

He  sleeps  like  one  who  drew  the  drapery  of  his  couch 
around  him  and  laid  down  to  pleasant  dreams. 

Knight  of  the  valiant  and  magnanimous  Order  of 
Knights  Templar.  Knight  of  Malta  of  the  Order  of  Sts. 
)ohn  of  Jerusalem.     Mail  and  farewell! 


R.  E.  SIR  ALBERT  FREDERICK  SCIIOCH,  330, 

Grand  Commander,  1906-7. 
R.  E.  Sir  Albert  Frederick  Schoch,  one  of  the  dedicatees 
of  this  work,  is  devoted  to  the  Order  of  Knighthood,  and 


i  [8 


Til  E    KNIGHTS   TKM  PLAR, 


R.  E.  SIR  ALBERT  FREDERICK   SCHOCH  33c 
Grand  Commander  Grand  Commandery,  1906. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  I  IO, 

in  Templar  circles  is  well  known  and  most  popular,  not  only 
in  the  grand  jurisdiction  of  Illinois,  but  throughput  the 
United  States. 

Templarism,  like  everything-  else  in  which  Sir  Schoch  be- 
came interested,  received,  without  falter,  the  full  force  of 
his  energy,  zeal  and  intellect.  His  watchword  has  always 
been  the  "upbuilding"  of  everything  he  undertook,  not  only 
in  Masonic  circles,  but  in  civil  affairs  of  his  community  and 
state  at  large.  Without  doubt  he  is  one  of  the  most  progres- 
sive and  public-spirited  men  of  Ottawa,  and  his  means  and 
influences  have  been  used  unsparingly  in  advancing  enter- 
prises, industries  and  improvements  in  the  beautiful  city  of 
his  nativity,  where  he  was  born  on  the  18th  of  December. 

^57- 

Both  of  his  parents.  Philip  and  Caroline  S.  (  Sulsberger) 

Schoch,  were  born  near  Strasburg,  Germany.  The  father 
being  born  in  Gertsheim.  Alsace,  July  26,  1832,  and  the 
mother  in  Obenheim,  Alsace,  May  6,  1835.  They  came  to 
the  United  States  in  185 1,  locating  in  Ottawa,  which  con- 
tinued to  be  their  home  until  they  were  called  to  the  Para- 
dise of  God. 

R.  E.  Sir  Schoch  is  a  gentleman  of  scholarly  tastes  and 
attainments.  He  is  proficient  in  literature  and  science,  and 
reads  and  speaks  French  and  German  almost  as  readily  as 
he  does  English.  He  is  proud  of  the  fact  that  he  obtained 
his  elementary  education  in  the  public  grammar  and  high 
schools  of  Ottawa,  and  subsequently  pursued  a  special  course 
of  study  in  French  two  terms  in  a  French  school.  When 
eighteen  years  of  age  he  took  the  competitive  examination 
for  admission  to  West  Point,  standing  second  among  the 
twenty-two  young  men  who  presented  themselves  for  that 
rigorous  ordeal. 

In  the  fall  of  1873  the  business  career  of  Sir  A.  F. 
Schoch  commenced  by  his  accepting  a  position  as  clerk  in 


I  20  III  E    KNIGHTS   TK.\!  PLAR, 

the  postoffice  under  John  Rush  Cameron.  At  the  end  of 
sixteen  months  he  became  connected  with  the  National  City 
Bank  of  Ottawa.  Having  proved  his  fidelity  and  perfect 
trustworthiness  as  a  messenger  boy,  at  the  end  of  three  years 
he  was  promoted  to  the  post  of  bookkeeper.  Three  years 
nmre  had  scarcely  passed,  when  his  merits  and  stability  oi 
character  being  fully  recognized  by  the  officials  of  the  bank, 
he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  hoard  of  directors  January 
[3,  [885,  and  was  appointed  assistant  cashier  on  the  fourth 
1  f  the  mi  mth  following'. 

At  the  end  of  five  years,  during  a  part  of  which  period 
he  acted  in  the  capacity  1  f  cashier,  he  was  advanced  to  the 
honored  office  which  he  has  since  occupied,  that  of  vice- 
president  of  the  bank. 

He  also  holds  the  position  of  vice-president  of  the  First 
National  Bank  of  Grand  Ridge  and  First  National  Bank  of 
Ransom,  La  Salle  county,  Illinois.  He  was  president  for 
several  years  of  the  Ottawa  Development  Association,  the 
commercial  club  of  the  city  of  Ottawa,  and  is  also  treasurer 
of  the  Valley  Building  and  Loan  Association,  in  which  or- 
ganization he  takes  an  active  interest,  having  done  much 
towards  the  building  of  new  homes  in  Ottawa. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  he  commenced  his  business 
career  empty-handed,  his  success  is  the  more  remarkable, 
and  his  record  must  prove  an  inspiration  to  many  young 
men  starting  out,  as  he  did.  with  no  capital  save  brains,  in- 
tegrity, determination  and  perseverance,  which,  after  all, 
is  the  best  capital,  and  without  which  wealth,  influence  and 
position  amount  to  naught. 

Had  not  great  financial  enterprises  and  a  multiplicity 
of  interests  demanded  a  large  share  of  his  time  and  energy. 
Sir  Schoch  might  have  occupied  almost  any  local  office 
within  the  gift  of  the  people  for  many  years  past.  Though 
he   was  overtaxed   at   times,   he   has   endeavored   to   do   his 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  121 

duty  by  the  public  in  spite  of  this  fact,  as  will  bo  seen  by 
the  brief  summary  following:  From  1891  to  1895  he  was 
Mayor  of  Ottawa;  from  [889  to  1891  he  was  City  Treas- 
urer; was  member  of  the  Board  of  Education  two  terms; 
was  School  Treasurer  of  the  Congressional  township.  No. 
33,  Range  3,  from  1887  to  1889;  was  member  of  the  volun- 
teer fire  department  for  sixteen  years,  and  was  prominently 
mentioned  at  one  of  the  Republican  state  conventions  as 
the  nominee  for  the  office  of  State  Treasurer.  While  he  was 
Mayor  he  succeeded  in  having  many  material  improvements 
instituted,  such  as  the  paving  of  streets,  introduction  of  po- 
lice and  tire  alarm  systems,  the  laying  of  sewers  and  build- 
ing" of  waterworks. 

He  was  known  as  the  "boy  mayor.*'  He  refused  to  al- 
low his  name  to  he  used  as  a  candidate  for  the  mayoralty 
for  a  third  time,  and  retired  from  the  office  with  the  good 
will  and  admiration  of  the  people  for  his  wise,  progressive 
policy.  In  May,  1899,  he  was  appointed  by  Governor  Tan- 
ner as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Special  Commissioners 
to  inspect  the  Chicago  drainage  canal,  and  served  as  secre- 
tary  of  said  commission. 

Fraternallv,  he  is  a  member  of  Humboldt  Lodge,  No. 
555,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  in  which  he  was  raised  in  June,  1883; 
Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37,  R.  A.  M.,  in  which  he  was 
exalted  in  June,  1893,  and  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10, 
Knights  Templar,  in  which  he  was  created  November  9, 
1893,  and  served  as  Eminent  Commander  from  December, 
1896,  to  December,  1899.  At  the  forty-third  Annual  Con- 
clave of  the  Grand  Commandery,  Knights  Templar  of  Illi- 
nois, he  was  elected  Grand  Warder,  and  climbed  the  ladder 
of  fame  until  he  was  elected  ( hand  Commander  of  the 
Grand  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar  of  the  state  of 
Illinois  at  the  Annual  Conclave,  October  23,  1906,  and  in 
recognition  of  his  meritorious  services  in  the  Masonic  vine- 


[22  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

yard  he  was  crowned  Sovereign  Grand  Inspector  General, 
thirty-third  and  last  degree  of  the  Ancient  and  Accepted 
Scottish  Rite,  and  hohorar)  member  of  the  Supreme  Coun- 
cil for  the  Northern  Masonic  Jurisdiction  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  September  16,  1 9 1 3 .  He  is  at  present  a 
member  of  the  jurisprudence  committee  of  the  Grand  Com- 
mander)- of  Illinois  and  the  representative  of  the  Grand 
Commandery  of  Colorado  near  the  Grand  Commandery  of 
Illinois.  He  is  also,  as  Prince  of  the  Royal  Secret,  320 ,  a 
member  of  Oriental  Consistory,  Valley  of  Chicago.  He  is 
also  a  member  of  Medina  Temple,  A.  A.  O.  N.  O.  T.  M.  S., 
( )asis  of  Chicago. 

He  has  held  the  office  of  Supreme  Banker  of  the  Mystic 
Workers  of  the  World  for  twenty  years,  and  at  the  last  ses- 
sion, recently  held,  was  re-elected.  This  is  an  insurance 
organization  with  a  membership  of  over  90,000. 

One  of  the  most  pleasing  events  in  the  career  of  Sir 
Schoch  was  solemnized  December  17,  1879,  when  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Minnie  Wolfe,  daughter  of  Henry  Wolfe,  one  of 
Ottawa's  leading  citizens.  To  this  union  has  been  born 
three  daughters — Carrie  U.  and  Lulu  C.  at  home,  and 
Esther  S..  recently  married  to  Dr.  C.  B.  Sharp,  of  Ottawa. 

The  home  of  Sir  Schoch  is  unpretentious,  but  is  a  home 
in  the  best  sense  of  the  word,  and  to  the  most  casual  ob- 
server gives  evidence  of  the  culture,  excellence  of  taste  and 
traits  of  character  of  the  family  of  R.  E.  Sir  Albert  Fred- 
erick Schoch. 


SUBORDINATE   COMMANDERIES   UNDER  JURISDICTION 
GRAND    COMMANDERY    OF    ILLINOIS. 

No.       Name.  Location.  When  Chartered. 

1— Apollo     Chicago    Sept.  17,  1847 

2— Belvidere   Alton    Sept.  19-,  1853 

3— Peoria    Peoria    Sept.  15,  1856 

4— Joliet  Joliet    Oct.    26.  1858 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  1 23 

5— Blaney    Morris    Oct.  26,  1858 

6— Elwood    Springfield    Oct.  25,  1859 

7— Freeport     Freeport Oct.  26,1859 

8— Galesburg    Galesburg    Oct.  23,  1860 

9— Beaumanoir    Decatur    Oct.  23,  1860 

10— Ottawa     Ottawa Oct.  23,  1861 

12— Waukegan    Waukegan    Oct.  23,  1861 

13— Cairo    Cairo    Oct.  25,  1864 

14— Gorin     Olney   Oct.  24,  1865 

15 — Sycamore     Sycamore    Oct.  24,  1865 

16— Urbana    Urbana    Oct.  24, 1865 

17— Crusader    Rockford   Oct.  24, 1865 

IS— Rock   Island    Rock  Island   Oct.  23,  1866 

19— Chicago    Chicago   Oct.  23,  1866 

20— Temple  Princeton    Oct.  23,  1866 

21— Dixon    Dixon   Oct.  23,  1866 

22— Aurora    Aurora   Oct.  23,  1866 

23— Cyrene    Centralia     Oct.  22, 1867 

24— DeMolay    Bloomington     Oct.  22,  1867 

25— Calvary    Woodstock    Oct.  22,  1867 

26— St.    John    Peru   Oct.  22,  1867 

27— Palestine    Paris    Oct.  22,  1867 

28— Bethany    Mendota    Oct.  27,  1868 

29— Hugh  de  Payens  Carrollton    Oct.  27,  1868 

30— St.  Omer   Litchfield     July  2, 1868 

31— Hospitaler   Jacksonville     Oct.  27,  1869 

32— Almoner    Augusta     Oct.  27,  1869 

33— Ivanhoe    Kankakee    Oct.  27,  1869 

34— St.  Paul   Fairbury     Oct.  26,  1870 

35— St.    Bernard    Chicago    Oct.  26,  1870 

36— Bethel     Elgin    Oct.  26,  1870 

37— Melita     Tuscola    Oct.  26,  1870 

38— Mt.  Olivet   Paxton    Oct.  26,  1870 

39— Mt.  Pulaski   Mt.   Pulaski    Oct.  24,  1871 

40— Galena    Galena  Dec.  22,  1871 

41— Gethsemane    Metropolis    Oct.  22,  1872 

42— Damascus  Havana    Oct.  22, 1872 

43— Coeur  de  Leon El  Paso  Oct.  24, 1873 

44— Godfrey  de  Bouillon Mattoon    Oct.  28,  1874 

45— Athelston    Danville     Oct.  28,  1874 

47— St.   Aldemar    Petersburg     Oct.  27,  1875 

48— Delta    Clayton    Oct.  26,  1875 

49— Ascalon   Pittsfield   Oct.  23,  1877 

50— Tancred    Belleville     Oct.  22,  1878 

51— Constantine     Lincoln    Oct.  22,  1878 

52— Chevalier  Bayard  Chicago     Oct.  25, 1881 

53— Montjoie    Chicago   Oct.  25,  1881 

54— Siloam    Oak  Park   Oct.  24, 1882 

56— Rushville   Rushville     Oct.  24, 1882 


I  24  I'll  E    K  NIC,  I  IIS    TKM  PLAR, 

57— Sterling    Sterling     Oct.    29,1884 

58—  Evanston     Evanston     Oct.    27,1886 

59— Englewood  Englewood    Oct.    26,  1886 

60— Long    Mt.  Carroll   Oct.    28,  1891 

61 — Macomb    Macomb    Dec.    18,  1891 

62— Calumet    Chicago   Oct.    26,  1892 

63— Columbia    Chicago    Oct.    25,  1893 

64— Lincoln   Park    Chicago    Oct.    24,  1894 

65— St.    Elmo    Chicago     Oct.    25,  1894 

66— Clinton    Clinton     Oct.    23,  1895 

67— Mary   Watseka    Oct.    28, 1896 

OS— Champaign    Champaign    Sept.    2,  1903 

69— Patton     Mt.   Vernon    Oct.    24,  1905 

70— Streator    Streator    Oct.    24,  1905 

71 — Kewanee    Kewanee     Oct.    24,  1906 

72— Illinois    Chicago     Oct.    24,1906 

73— Mizpah    Chicago    Oct.    23,  1907 

74— Gil  W.  Barnard   Sullivan     Oct.    26,  1909 

75— Inglevere    Carthage    Oct.    26,  1909 

76— Wocdlawn    Chicago     Oct.    24,  1911 

77— Quincy    Quincy     Sept.  IS,  1912 

78— Chicago  Heights   Chicago  Heights Sept.  IS,  1912 

79— Humboldt  Park   Chicago     Sept.  18,  1912 

80— Trinity    La  Grange    Sept.  18,  1912 

SI— East    St.    Louis    East    St.   Louis    Oct.    28,1913 

82— Mt.  Carmel   Mt.   Carmel    Oct.    28,  1913 

S3— St.    Cecelia    Chicago     Oct.    28,1913 

84— Austin    Chicago    Oct.    28,  1915 


GRAND  COMMANDERS  AND  RECORDERS  OF  THE  GRAND 

COMMANDERY  SINCE  ITS  FORMATION, 

OCTOBER    27,    1S57. 

Year.  Grand   Commander.  Grand  Recorder. 

1857 James  V.  Z.  Blaney William  H.  Turner 

185S James  V.  Z.   Blaney* William  H.  Turner 

1859 Josiah  Hunt* William  H.  Turner* 

1860 Hosmer   A.    Johnson George  W.  Deering* 

1861 Hosmer  A.  Johnson* Henry  C.  Ranney 

1862 George  W.   Deering* Henry  C.  Ranney 

1863 William   H.   Turner* Henry  C.  Ranney 

1864 Nathan    H.    Prentice* Henry  C.  Ranney 

1865 Henry  C.  Ranney James    H.    Miles 

1866 George    C.    Lamphere* James    H.    Miles 

1867 Vincent  L.  Hurlbut* James    H.    Miles 

1868 Jerome    R.    Gorin* James    H.    Miles 

1869 Charles    E.   Munger* James    H.    Miles 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY. 


125 


1870 John   M.   Pearson* James 

1871 Wiley  M.  Egan* James 

1872 Daniel    Dustin* James 

1873 James  A.  Hawley* James 

1874 Hiram  W.  Hubbard* James 

1875 Theodore  T.  Gurney* James 

1876 Philander  P.   Barclay* James 

1877 John  F.  Nash* Gil.  W. 

1878 Robert  L.  McKinlay* Gil.  W. 

1879 Charles   M.   Morse* Gil.  W. 

1880 John  C.  Smith* Gil.  W. 

1S81 Loyal   L.   Munn* Gil.  W. 

1S82 Henry   Turner* Gil.  W. 

1883 James  G.  Elwood Gil.  W. 

1884 Haswell  C.  Clarke* Gil.  W. 

1885 John   L.   White* Gil.  W. 

1886 Wilbur  F.  Broomfield* Gil.  W. 

1887 Edward  C.  Mulliner Gil.  W. 

1888 Norman  T.  Gassette* Gil.  W. 

1S89 George   M.  Moulton Gil.   W. 

1890 Joseph  E.  Dyas Gil.  W. 

1891 Sylvester  O.  Spring Gil.  W. 

1892 Charles  G.  Mac* Gil.  W. 

1893 Harvey   M.   Hall* Gil.  W. 

1894 Henry  H.  Montgomery Gil.  W. 

1895 Augustus   L.  Webster Gil.  W. 

1896 Edward  C.  Pace* Gil.  W. 

1897 James  P.   Sherwin* Gil.  W. 

1S98 George   W.    Curtis Gil.  W. 

1899 James  B.   McFatrich* Gil.  W. 

1900 Charles  P.  Kane Gil.  W. 

1901 Hamer   H.   Green* Gil.  W. 

1902 Holman  G.   Purinton Gil.  W. 

1903 Alon;;o  S.  Wilderman* Gil.  W. 

1904 George   E.   Ohara* Gil.  W. 

1905 Alfred  A.  Whipple Gil.  W. 

1906 Albert   F.   Schoch Gil.  W. 

1907 Smythe   Crooks Gil.   W. 

1908 William    L.    Gross* Harris 

1909 John  D.  Cleveland Harris 

1910 Harry    H.    Cleaveland Delmar 

1911 Arthur  M.  Otman Delmar 

1912 William  Leslie  Sharp Delmar 

1913 Stuart    E.    Pierson Delmar 

1914 Thomas  A.  Stevens Delmar 

1915 Louis  A.  Mills Delmar 

1916 Andrew  J.  Redmond Delmar 


H. 
H. 

H. 
H. 
11. 
H. 
H. 


Miles 
Miles 
Miles 
Miles 
Miles 
Miles 
Miles* 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard 
Barnard* 
A.  Wheeler 
A.  Wheeler 
D.   Darrah 
Darrah 
Darrah 
Darrah 
Darrah 
Darrah 
Darrah 


I). 
D. 
D. 
D. 
D. 
D. 


^Deceased. 


[26  THE    KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR. 


THE  BITTER  CUP. 

Then  comcth  Jesus  with  them  unto  a  place  called  Geth- 
semane,  and  sayeth  unto  the  disciples,  Sit  ye  here,  while  I 
go  and  pray  yonder.  And  he  took  with  him  Peter  and  the 
two  sons  of  Zebedee,  and  began  to  he  sorrowful  and  very 
heavy.  Then  saith  he  unto  them.  My  soul  is  exceeding  sor- 
rowful, even  unto  death;  tarry  ye  here,  and  watch  with  me. 
And  he  went  a  little  further,  and  fell  on  his  face,  and 
prayed,  saying,  O,  my  Father,  if  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup 
p;is>  from  me;  nevertheless,  not  as  I  will,  hut  as  thou  wilt. 
And  he  cometh  unto  the  disciples,  and  findeth  them  asleep 
and  said  unto  Peter,  What!  could  ye  not  watch  with  me 
one  hour?  Watch  and  pray  that  ye  enter  not  into  temp- 
tation: the  spirit  indeed  is  willing',  hut  the  flesh  is  weak, 
lie  went  away  again  a  second  time,  and  prayed,  saying",  O, 
my  Father,  if  this  cup  may  not  pass  away  from  me,  except 
I  drink  it.  thy  will  he  done.  And  he  came  and  found 
them  asleep  again;  for  their  eyes  were  heavy.  And  he  left 
them,  and  went  away  again,  and  prayed  the  third  time,  say- 
ing the  same  words.  Then  cometh  he  to  his  disciples,  and 
saith  unto  them,  Sleep  on  now,  and  take  your  rest;  behold 
the  hour  is  at  hand,  and  the  Son  of  Man  is  betrayed  into  the 
hands  of  sinners.  Pise,  let  us  he  going;  behold  he  is  at 
hand  that  doth  betray  me.  And  while  he  yet  spake,  lo, 
Judas,  one  of  the  twelve,  came,  and  with  him  a  great  mul- 
titude, with  swords  and  staves,  from  the  chief  priests  and 
elders  of  the  people.  Now  he  that  betrayed  him  gave  them 
a  sign,  saying,  Whomsoever  1  shall  kiss,  that  same  is  he. 
hold  him  fast.  And  forthwith  he  came  to  Jesus,  and  said. 
I  fail,  Master;  and  kissed  him. —  Matt,  xxvi  :  ^0-49. 


HISTORY  OF 
OTTAWA  COMMANDERY 

NO.  10 
KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR 


12$ 


'HE    KNIGHTS    TKM  I'l.AK, 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  1 29 

OTTAWA  COMMANDERY,  NO.  10,  K.  T. 

1861-1916. 


"More  precious  than  rubies  and  pearls  are  the 
times  in  earlier  years  which  first  get  the  fibers  in 
tune  with  never-to-be-forgotten  joys;  for  they  are 
the  source  of  happiness  distilled  for  the  spirit, 
ethereal,  tenuous  like  a  ray  of  light;  and  the  mem- 
ory of  those  times  is  not  recollection  but  sensation. 

"So  the  autumn  and  winter  of  life  are  bright- 
ened, though  there  is  to  be  no  other  spring." 


OUR  HOME,  OTTAWA,   ILLINOIS. 

The  home  of  Ottawa  Cbmmandery,  No.  10,  K.  T.,  is  a 
most  beautiful  and  model  city,  with  a  population  of  15,000 
souls — for  all  of  our  people  have  souls — located  in  the 
beautiful  and  fertile  valley  of  the  Illinois  river,  where  the 
silver-like  waters  of  the  Fox  cut  their  way  through  St. 
Peter's  sandstone  to  unite  with  the  blue  waters  of  the  Illi- 
nois ages  far  down  the  vista  of  time. 

Its  paved  streets,  shaded  lawns,  artesian  fountains,  sub- 
stantial business  houses,  costly  churches,  model  schools, 
colleges  and  public  libraries,  hue  residences,  manufacturing 
and  shipping  facilities,  make  it  one  of  the  most  substantial 
cities  in  Illinois,  and,  as  a  residence  city  of  refined  taste,  un- 
surpassed in  the  West. 

The  landscape  scenery  surrounding  this  beautiful  city  is 
such  that  no  artist  in  the  wildest  luxuriance  of  his  fancy 
could  picture  the  grandeur  and  beauty  that  meet  the  eye  on 
every  side. 

The  meanderings  of  the  placid  waters  of  the  Illinois 
among  the  innumerable  wooded  islands,  through  a  valley 
with  a  soil  as  rich  and  fertile  as  that  of  the  Xile,  abounding 
with  clays  with  which  to  manufacture  the  most  substantial 
building  material,  sands  to  make  elass  for  venerations  vet 


HISTORY  OF   OTTAWA   COMMANDKKV.  131 

unborn,  and  hillsides  thickly  wooded  and  filled  with  coal  to 
propel  the  machinery  of  the  world,  stretching  far  away  un- 
til their  outlines  are  blended  with  the  blue  horizon,  forms  a 
scene  which  the  mind  delights  in  contemplating. 

Is  it  any  wonder  that  the  once  great  and  powerful  na- 
tion, the  Illini,  builded  their  largest  city  in  this  beautiful 
and  fertile  valley,  and  that  Hennepin,  the  great  French  ex- 
plorer, called  the  valley  of  the  Illini  the  "Delights  of  the 
Xew  World"? 

Looking  down  the  valley  of  the  Illinois,  to  the  westward, 
stands  Buffalo  Rbck,  like  an  island  fortress  commanding 
the  valley  for  miles  east  and  west,  and  from  its  wooded 
plateau  the  sojourner  can  look  over  the  woodland  hills  of 
the  Illinois  far  out  on  the  cornfields  and  wheatfields  of  the 
prairie  farmer,  where  less  than  four  score  years  and  one, 
the  Indian  was  the  possessor  of  wild  prairies,  and  the  buf- 
falo, elk  and  deer  were  his  herds,  partaking  of  his  nature, 
and  participating  in  his  nomadic  habits.  Crossing  the  blue 
Illinois,  the  "weary  pilgrim  travelling  from  afar"  is  grasped 
by  a  friendly  hand  and  guided  through  paths  he  had  not 
known. 

Glens  and  grottos  divinely  carved  in  St.  Peter's  rock, 
from  the  depths  of  which  the  eye  strains  upward  to  reach 
the  eagle's  lofty  nest;  along  noisy,  sparkling  brooks,  gliding 
merrily  from  out  the  dark  and  grewsome  walls  of  many  a 
quaint  and  yawning  canyon,  and  meeting  in  a  broader, 
smoother  stream,  flow  through  the  valley  in  purling,  grace- 
ful windings,  singing  a  mournful  dirge  as  they  bathe  the 
rocky  sides  of  Lover's  Leap  and  wash  the  base  of  Starved 
Rock,  the  last  resting  place  of  the  once  powerful  tribe  of 
Illini,  which,  being  besieged  on  this  impregnable  fortress  by 
their  adversaries,  the  Iroquois,  preferred  death  by  starva- 
tion rather  than  an  ignominious  one  at  the  hands  of  their 
enemies. 


HISTORY    OF    OTTAWA    COMMANDERY.  [33 

"Here  chief  met  chief  in  dubious  strife. 
And  neither  yielded  but  his  life; 
Dark,  sullen,  stern,  no  cry  was  heard 
That  spoke  of  life — to  death  preferred." 

Having  changed  his  garb,  the  "pilgrim  warrior"  now 

climbs  to  the  summit  of  Starved  Rock  and,  kneeling  at  the 

sepulchre  of  the  Illini,  implores  the  Great  I  Am  to 

"Wind  the  mighty  secrets  of  the  past, 
And  turn  the  key  of  time!" 

Arising  from  his  bended  knees,  he  beholds  a  most  mag- 
nificent scene.  Looking  to  the  east,  up  the  beautiful  valley 
of  tluj  Illinois,  he  beholds  the  cities  of  Ottawa,  Marseilles 
and  Morris,  sitting  peacefully  between  the  woodland  hills, 
and  the  smoke  of  a  hundred  factories  drifting  away  into  the 
immeasurable  space.  Turning  to  the  west,  his  vision  rests 
on  the  site  of  the  great  city  of  the  Illini,  where  the  cross  of 
Our  Blessed  Savior  was  first  planted  among  the  aborigines 
in  the  valley  of  the  Illini  by  the  French  Jesuits  centuries 
ago,  and  on  beyond  the  village  of  Ltica,  and  still  on,  sit- 
ting like  Rome  on  its  Seven  Hills,  the  twin  cities  of  La 
Salle  and  Peru  and  the  smoke  stacks  of  the  largest  zinc 
works  in  the  world  towering  heavenward  as  monuments  to 
man's  industry  and  skill.  Turning  to  the  south,  he  beholds 
the  sun  at  its  meridian  height,  shedding  its  refulgent  ravs 
upon  thousands  of  acres  of  prairie,  where  the  resin-weed 
had  given  away  to  the  cornfields;  the  wild  rose  and  native 
grasses  were  choked  out  by  timothy,  clover  and  blue  grass; 
the  crab  apple  had  yielded  to  the  rambo  and  pippin;  and 
the  wild  plum  cut  away  to  give  a  place  to  the  green  gage 
and  damson. 

Turning  to  the  north,  looking  across  the  beautiful  valley 
of  the  Illinois,  far  beyond  the  rising  bluff  on  the  north,  he 
sees  neatly  furnished  farm  houses,  the  abiding  homes  of 
culture  and  industry,  with  which  the  white  man  had  sup- 
planted the  wigwam  and  lodge  of  the  red  man. 


HISTORY    OF    OTTAWA    COMMANDERY.  l$J 

Seeking  his  chamber  of  reflection,  well  might  the  pil- 
grim penitent  exclaim,  in  the  language  of  Byron  : 

"The  naughtiest  breast,  its  wish  might  bound 

Through  life  to  dwell  delighted  here; 
Nor  could  on  earth  a  spot  be  found. 

To  nature  and  to  me  so  dear." 
— W.  L.  Milligan,  in  Templar  Itinerary,  Boston  Triennial,  1895. 

THE  HOME  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY. 

The  corner-stone  of  the  present  Masonic  temple  was 
laid  November  3,  19 10,  by  Most  Worshipful  A.  R.  Ashley, 
Grand  Master,  and  was  dedicated  for  Masonic  purposes 
June  J/,  191 1,  by  Most  Worshipful  A.  B.  Ashley,  Grand 
Master.  Great  credit  is  due  the  building  committee,  con- 
sisting of  chairman  Al.  F.  Schoch,  Shabbona  Chapter; 
Samuel  B.  Bradford,  Occidental  Lodge;  Henry  L.  Arnold, 
Humboldt  Lodge;  and  William  I).  Fullerton,  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery,  for  the  execution  and  completion  of  this  mag- 
nificent Masonic  temple.  A  more  appropriate  location 
could  not  have  been  selected.  On  either  side  are  houses  of 
worship  dedicated  to  Almighty  God,  while  just  across  the 
way  in  Washington  Park  is  the  huge  boulder  erected  by  the 
Daughters  of  the  American  Revolution  to  mark  the  spot 
where  the  first  joint  debate  took  place  between  Abraham 
Lincoln  and  Stephen  A.  Douglas.  Not  far  away  is  the 
temple  of  justice,  the  Appellate  Court-house,  once  the  seat 
of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  Northern  Grand  Division  of 
Illinois,  in  which  such  men  as  Sidney  Breese,  John  D.  Caton 
and  T.  Lyle  Dickey  sat  on  the  bench  and  heard  pleadings 
from  Abraham  Lincoln  and  Stephen  A.  Douglas. 

Just  across  the  way  from  the  Appellate  Court-house  is 
the  public  library,  given  to  the  citizens  of  Ottawa  by  Wil- 
liam Reddick,  one  of  the  early  members  of  Occidental 
Lodge.  Nearby  are  several  other  churches,  as  well  as  the 
late  high  school  building,  all  symbolic  of  the  lofty  principles 
of  Free  Masonry. 


138 


111  E    KNIGHTS   TKM  PLAR, 


THE  MASONIC  TEMPLE.  OTTAWA  ILLINOIS. 


HISTORY    OF    OTTAWA    COM  M  ANDERY.  I  3c) 

The  ceremonies  of  dedicating  the  new  temple  were  un- 
der the  auspices  o\  Occidental  Lodge,  the  senior  of  the  two 
lodges  in  Ottawa. 

There  were  two  addresses,  one  by  Al.  F.  Schoch,  Past 
Master  of  Humboldt  Lodge,  who  made  the  introductory  re- 
marks, and  the  dedicatory  address  delivered  by  William  L. 
Milligan,  Past  Master  of  Occidental  Lodge,  Grand  Orator. 

OTTAWA  COMMANDERY,  NO.   10,  K.   T. 

On  the  29th  of  January,  1861.  E.  Sir  Hosmer  A.  John- 
son, Grand  Commander  of  the  Grand  Comrnandery  of 
Knights  Templar  of  Illinois,  upon  the  recommendation  of 
Blaney  Commander,  No.  5,  Morris,  111.,  granted  a  dispensa- 
tion for  a  Comrnandery  of  Knights  Templar  at  Ottawa, 
Illinois. 

Sir  Oliver  Cromwell  (Tray  was  named  as  Eminent 
Commander;  Sir  David  Walker,  as  Generalissimo;  and  Sir 
*  William  Hervy  Lamme  Wallace,  as  Captain  General. 

The  names  on  the  dispensation  cannot  be  given,  for  the 
reason  that  it  was  never  made  a  matter  of  record. 

The  committee  on  charters  and  dispensations  reported 
to  the  Grand  Comrnandery  October  23,  1861  : 

"Resolved,  That  charters  be  granted  to  Ottawa  Com- 
mander}', U.  D.,  as  Ottawa  Comrnandery,  No.  10." 

Officers  U.  D. 

Oliver  Cromwell  Gray   Commander 

David  Walker Generalissimo 

W.  LI.  L.  Wallace Captain  General 

*Quite  all  historians  writing  the  life  of  General  Wallace  have, 
in  error,  written  his  name  William  Henry  Lamb  Wallace.  The 
same  error  crept  into  the  author's  "History  of  the  White  Apron." 
We  have  it  direct  from  his  daughter,  Miss  Isabel  Wallace,  author 
of  "Life  and  Letters  of  General  Wallace,"  that  his  name  was  Wil- 
liam Hervy  Lamme  Wallace,  "Lamme"  being  the  maiden  name  of 
his  mother.  W.  L.  M. 


PAST  EMINENT  COMMANDERS. 

Oliver  C.  Gray,  1861*  James  A.  Rhoads,  L862* 

John  B.  Peekham,  1863* 

Thomas  J.  Wade,  1864  and  6*    George  J.  Burgess,  1865* 

George  W.  Lininger,  1867-  William  L.  Gibson,  1868* 

'"Deceased. 


HISTORY   OF    OTTAWA    COMMANDERY.  I4I 

J.  B.  Peckham Prelate 

James  Rhoads   Senior  Warden 

S.  E.  Minor Junior  Warden 

R.  N.  Goodsell    Treasurer 

Levi  Mason Recorder 

D.  H.  Ashton Standard  Bearer 

W.  B.  McMillen Sword  Bearer 

Daniel  Stone Warder 

C.  S.  C.  Crane Captain  of  the  Guard 

The  Order  of  the  Temple  was  conferred  in  [861  on  the 
following:  Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson,  Thomas  Jeffer- 
son Wade,  George  W.  Lininger,  John  F.  Lamb,  William 
L.  Gibson,  John  F.  Nash,  Samuel  C.  Walker  and  Julius  C. 
Avery. 

The  first  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commander)-,  No.  10, 
Knights  Templar,  under  dispensation,  was  convened  in  the 
Masonic  hall,  on  the  third  floor  of  the  Glover  &  Cook 
building,  now  the  Gedney  building,  corner  of  Court  and 
Madison  streets,  on  the  first  day  of  February,  A.  D.  [861, 
A.  O.  743- 

There  were  present  at  this  conclave  Sir  Knights  Oliver 
Cromwell  Gray,  William  Hervy  Lramme  Wallace,  John  B. 
Peckham,  Daniel  C.  Stone,  James  Rhoads,  David  Walker, 
Quincy  D.  Whitman,  J.  Baldwin,  William  B.  McMillan. 
Reir  N.  Goodsell,  Samuel  E.  Miner,  Charles  S.  C.  Crane 
and  Daniel  H.  Ashton,  the  most  prominent  business  and  pro- 
fessional men  in  the  city  of  Ottawa.  The  Commandery 
was  opened  without  ceremony  by  Oliver  Cromwell  Gray, 
who  read  a  dispensation  from  R.  F.  Grand  Commander 
Ibismer  A.  Johnson  authorizing  the  forming  and  opening 
of  a  Commandery,  under  dispensation,  for  the  transaction 
of  such  business  and  work  as  legalized  under  said  dispen- 
sation until  the  next  conclave  of  the  Grand  Command- 
ery of  Knights  Templar  of  the  state  of  Illinois. 


1-1-  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

At  this  conclave  a  committee  was  appointed,  consisting 
dt"  Sir  Knights  James  Rhoads,  Daniel  C.  Stone  and  Charles 
S.  C.  Crane,  to  confer  with  Occidental  Lodge  in  regard  to 

the  rental  of  the  Masonic  hall  for  Commandery  purposes. 
A  committee  was  also  appointed,  consisting  of  Sir  Knights 
David  Walker,  James  Rhoads  and  Samuel  E.  Miner,  on 
fees  and  uniforms.  The  Commandery  was  then  closed 
without  ceremony  until  the  fifth  day  of  February,   1X61. 

At  the  conclave  of  February  5,  1861,  it  was  ordered  by 
the  Commandery  that  all  members  of  Ottawa  Command- 
ery furnish  themselves  with  uniforms  according  to  regula- 
tions pertaining  thereto. 

The  first  petition  for  the  Orders  of  Knighthood  to  he 
conferred  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  consisting  of  those  of 
Companions  Levi  Mason,  Henry  F.  Clark,  Theodore  C. 
Gibson  and  William  L.  Gibson,  were  received  at  this  con- 
clave. 

A  committee,  consisting  of  Sir  Knights  James  Rhoads, 
William  Hervy  Lamme  Wallace  and  David  Walker,  was 
appointed  to  prepare  and  report  a  code  of  by-laws  for  the 
Commandery. 

The  Commandery  was  "called  off"  until  Tuesday  even- 
ing at  7  o'clock. 

At  the  conclave  held  February  12,  1861,  the  committee 
on  by-laws  presented  their  report,  which  was  taken  up  in 
sections   and   adopted. 

Petitions  for  the  Order  of  Knighthood  were  received 
at  this  conclave  from  Companions  George  W.  Lininger  and 
C.  C.  Perrin.  of   Peru,   111. 

The  committee  appointed  at  the  first  conclave  of  the 
Commandery  on  rent  of  hall  reported  at  this  conclave  that 
they  had  secured  a  lease  from  Occidental  Lodge  for  the 
use  of  the  Masonic  hall,  by  agreeing  to  pay  one-third  of 
the  expenses,  to-wit:  Kent,  lights,  fuel  and  necessary  re- 
pairs. 


HISTORY   OF    OTTAWA    COMMANDERY.  1 43 

The  Commandery  was  "called  off"  until  the  following 
evening,  February  13,  1861,  at  7:30  o'clock. 

FIRST    BALLOTING. 

The  first  balloting  for  candidates  for  the  Orders  of 
Knighthood  in  Ottawa  Commandery  was  taken  at  a  con- 
clave held  March  7,  [861,  when  Companions  William  L. 
Gibson,  Levi  Mason,  Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson,  John 
Fisk  Nash  and  Thomas  Jefferson  Wade  were  declared 
duly  elected  to  receive  the  Orders  of  Knighthood  in  Otta- 
wa Commandery  of  Knights  Templar.  The  petitions  of 
Companions  John  Fisk  Nash  and  Thomas  Jefferson  W^ade 
were  presented  at  this  same  conclave. 

Your  historian  has  the  honor  (if  having  been  personally 
accpiainted  with  the  above  petitioners.  Companion  Wil- 
liam L.  Gibson  was  postmaster  of  the  city  of  Ottawa,  and 
resided  on  East  Main  street.  Levi  Mason  was  superintend- 
ent of  the  gas  company,  and  resided  on  East  Pearl  street. 
Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson  was  in  the  furniture  busi- 
ness on  La.  Salle  street,  and  resided  on  East  Congress  street. 
John  Fisk  Nash  was  Clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court,  and  re- 
sided on  Ottawa  avenue,  and  Thomas  Jefferson  Wade  was 
proprietor  of  the  Mansion  House,  located  on  the  corner  of 
Court  and  Main  streets. 

FIRST    WORK. 

The  first  work  in  Ottawa  Commandery  was  done  at  this 
conclave  when  a  Council  of  Knights  of  the  Red  Cross  was 
opened  and  the  illustrions  order  conferred  on  Companions 
William  L,  Gibson,  Thomas  Jefferson  Wade,  John  Fisk 
Nash,  Levi  Mason  and  Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson, 
all  then  young  and  enterprising  business  men,  pioneers  of 
the  West. 

After  conferring  the  illustrious  order  of  the  Red  Cross 
on  the  above  mentioned  postulants,  the  Council  of  Knights 
of  the  Rjed  Cross  was  closed  and  a  Commandery  of  Knights 


144  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

Templar  opened  and  the  Order  of  the  Temple  was  confer- 
red on  Knights  of  the  Red  Cross  William  L.  Gibson  and 
Thomas  Jefferson  Wade,  who  were  the  first  ones  knighted 
in  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.   in.  Knights  Templar. 

After  conferring  the  Order  of  the  Temple  on  Sir 
Knights  William  L.  Gibson  and  Thomas  Jefferson  Wade. 
the  Commandery  was  "called  off"  until  the  next  morning. 
Friday,  March  8,  [861,  when  Companions  Julius  Caesar 
Avery,  Henry  F.  Clark,  C.  C.  Perrin  and  George  W.  Lin- 
inger  were  elected  to  receive  the  Orders  of  Knighthood, 
and  the  Order  of  the  Temple  was  conferred  on  Knights  of 
the  \\i.^\  Cross  Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson,  Levi  Mason 
and  John  Fisk  Nash. 

The  Commandery  was  presided  over,  and  the  orders 
conferred  at  the  above  conclaves,  by  Sir  Knight  Frank  K. 
I  lurlburd  320 .  Grand  Generalissimo  of  the  Grand  Command- 
ery of  Illinois.  There  were  also  present,  and  to  whom  a 
vote  of  thanks  was  extended  by  Ottawa  Commandery  for 
their  presence  and  assistance,  Sir  Knights  William  W. 
Mitchell.  John  Amis,  Arnold  M.  Cleveland,  Jonathan  W. 
Massy,  Perry  A.  Armstrong,  Levi  P.  Lott,  Uriah  B.  Couch 
and  E.  W.  Hurlburd,  officers  and  members  of  Blaney 
Commandery,  No.  5,  Knights  Templar,  of  Morris,  111. 

The  receipts  at  this  conclave  were  $324.20  and  the  ex- 
penses $330.42,  leaving  a  balance  due  the  master  of  finance 
of  $6.22. 

It  was  a  glorious  company  of  men,  and  they  evidently 
had  a  glorious  time,  such  as  has  ewer  been  one  of  the  dis- 
tinguishing  characteristics   of   Ottawa    Commandery. 

At  a  special  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commander}-.  (J.  ])., 
May  14.  [861,  presided  over  by  the  gifted  Oliver  Crom- 
well Gray,  Eminent  Commander,  a  Council  of  Knights  of 
the  Red  Cross  was  opened  .and  the  illustrious  order  con- 
ferred on  Companions  George  W.  Lininger,  C.  C.  Perrin  and 


HISTORY   OF   OTTAWA    COMMANDERY.  I45 

Julius  C.  Avery,  one  of  the  leading  practitioners  of  the  La 
Salle  county  bar. 

At  the  regular  conclave  of  the  Commandery  July  2, 
1861,  the  petitions  of  Companions  Samuel  C.  Walker,  a 
brilliant  young  attorney,  and  John  F.  Lamb,  a  prosperous 
farmer  residing  in  Rutland  township,  were  received  and 
balloted  on  and  both  declared  elected,  when  the  Command- 
ery was  "called  off"  to  Wednesday  July  10,  1861,  at  1 
o'clock  p.  m.,  at  which  time  the  illustrious  order  of  the  Red 
Cross  was  conferred  on  Samuel  C.  Walker  and  John  F. 
Lamb. 

At  a  special  conclave  July  23,  1861,  the  Order  of  the 
Temple  was  conferred  on  Knight  of  the  Red  Cross  George 
W.  Lininger,  who  has  since  been  honored  with  high  Ma- 
sonic honors  both  in  Illinois  and  Nebraska.  He  was  Grand 
High  Priest  of  the  Grand  Chapter  of  Illinois  in  1868, 
having  been  elected  to  the  exalted  station  in  October,  1867. 
He  was  also  elected  Grand  Master  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
Ancient  Free  and  Accepted  Masons  and  Grand  Commander 
of  the  Grand  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar  of  his 
adopted  state,  Nebraska,  where  he  passed  to  his  eternal 
rest  a  few  years  ago. 

Knight  of  the  Red  Cross  John  F.  Lamb  was  created  a 
Knight  Templar  at  a  special  conclave  of  Ottawa  Command- 
ery August  13,  1 861,  and  Knight  of  the  Red  Cross  Julius 
Ca?sar  Avery  was  created  a  Knight  Templar  at  a  special 
conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery  August  27,  1861. 

At  the  annual  conclave  of  the  Grand  Commandery  of 
Knights  Templar  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  October  23,  1861,  a 
charter  was  authorized  to  be  issued  to  Ottawa  Commandery, 
as  No.  10,  on  the  roll  of  the  Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois. 
But  before  the  Commandery  was  constituted  under  charter, 
and  after  the  expiration  of  the  dispensation,  which  expired 
on  the  date  of  the  annual  conclave  of  the  Grand  Command- 


l-4n  THE   KNIGHTS    TEMPLAR, 

ery  in  October,   [861,  a  conclave  of  the  Commandery  was 

convened  under   a   dispensation    November    i  _\    [861,   and 
the  following  officers  elected,  to-wit: 

James  Rhoads   Commander 

David   Walker    Generalissimo 

Rier  N.  Goodsell    Captain  General 

John  B.  Peckham Prelate 

J(  >hn  Fisk  Nash Senior  Warden 

Julius  Cseser  Avery Junior  Warden 

Samuel  C.  Walker    Treasurer 

Levi  Mason Recorder 

Samuel  E.  Miner Standard  Bearer 

John  F.  Lamb   Sword  Bearer 

George  W.  Lininger Warder 

Before  the  Commandery  was  constituted  under  charter 
and  the  above  officers  were  legally  installed  into  their  re- 
spective stations,  the  said  Commandery,  officered  by  the 
said  elected,  but  not  installed,  officers,  held  a  "called  meet- 
ing" and  conferred  the  Order  of  the  Temple  on  Knights 
of  the  Red  Cross  Henry  F.  Clark,  Flenry  D.  Brown  and 
John  Brooks  Rice.  Hosmer  Allen  Johnson,  Grand  Com- 
mander of  the  Grand  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar  of 
the  state  of  Illinois,  having  learned  of  this  irregularity  on 
the  part  of  the  so-called  officers,  summoned  the  Command- 
ery in  conclave  March  6,  1862,  and,  after  having  taken 
evidence  relative  to  said  irregularities,  issued  the  following 
proclamation,  and  ordered  same  spread  upon  the  records, 
to-wit  : 

Ottawa,  111.,  March  6,  1862. 
To  all  Sir  Knights  to  Whom  These  Presents  May  Come — Greeting: 

Whereas,  It  having  come  to  my  knowledge  that  certain  Sir 
Knights,  members  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  while  under  dispensa- 
tion, having  met  and  unwittingly  conferred  the  Orders  of  Knight- 
hood upon  certain  companions,  without  said  Commandery  having 
been  constituted,  and  its  officers  legally  installed,  therefore  be  it 
known    that    I,    Hosmer    Allen    Johnson,    Grand    Commander,    sum- 


HISTORY   OF   OTTAWA    COMMANDERY.  1 47 

moned  the  Sir  Knights  to  appear  before  me  in  conclave,  and,  after 
examination,  finding  the  same  was  done  in  ignorance,  and  not 
through  any  desire  on  their  part  to  violate  their  Knightly,  vows,  did 
constitute  said  Commandery,  No.  10,  and  did  install  into  office 

Sir  O.  C.  Gray as  Commander 

Sir  D.    Walker    as   Generalissimo 

Sir  J.  B.  Peckham   (proxy  for 

W.  H.  L.  Wallace)   as  Captain  General 

and  by  virtue  of  the  high  power  in  me  vested  as  G.  C.  I  did  regularly 
constitute  and  create  (by  healing)  Sir  H.  D.  Brown,  Sir  J.  B.  Rice 
and  Sir  John  Colwell  as  Sir  Knights  of  the  Red  Cross  and  Knights 
Templar. 

Furthermore,  I  granted  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  a  dis- 
pensation to  proceed  to  the  election  of  officers,  whereupon  a  ballot 
being  taken  the  following  Knights  were  declared  duly  elected: 

James  Rhoads Commander 

David  Walker  Generalissimo 

R.  N.  Goodsell   Captain  General 

J.   B.  Peckham    Prelate 

John  F.  Nash  Senior  Warden 

Julius  C.  Avery  Junior  Warden 

Samuel  C.  Walker   Treasurer 

Levi   Mason    Recorder 

S.  E.  Miner Standard  Bearer 

John   F.  Lamb    Sword  Bearer 

C.  S.  C.  Crane Captain  of  the  Guard 

and  that  the  above  named  Sir  Knights  were  duly  installed  into 
office  for  the  ensuing  Masonic  year,  or  until  their  successors  should 
be  regularly  elected  and  installed. 

E.  Sir  H.  C.  Ranney  off.  as  G.  Marshal. 

The  code  of  by-laws  approved  by  the  Grand  Commandery  were 
then   (again)   presented  and  unanimously  adopted. 

And  I  do  hereby  grant  authority  to  the  E.  Commander  to  heal, 
or  cause  to  be  healed,  aijy  companion  who  has  been  illegally  created 
as  Knight  of  the  Red  Cross  and  Knight  Templar,  as  already  set 
forth.  (Signed)     H.  A.  JOHNSON, 

HENRY  C.  RANNEY,  G.  Commander. 

Recorder. 

After  which  the  following  work  was  done  per  order  of 
the  Grand  Commander: 

The  petitions  of  Companions  John  Stout  and  E.  C. 
Hatheway  were  received  and  balloted  on  and  the  Orders 
(if  the  Red  Cross  and  Knights  Templar  were  conferred  on 
Companion  E.  C.  Hatheway,  after  which  the  memorahle  con- 
clave was  closed,  and  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  Knights 


I_p^  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

Templar,  set  sail  with  her  beauseant  unfurled  to  the  bleak 
March  winds  wafted  from  the  prairies  of  Illinois,  and  how 
proudly  she  has  buffeted  the  waves  and  kept  the  faith  with 
her  swords  untarnished  1>v  flight  or  shame  is  well  attested 
by  two  of  her  members  wearing  the  insigna  of  Past  Com- 
manders of  the  Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois  and  her  mem- 
bership of  nearly  three  hundred  valiant  knights  loyal  in 
their  allegiance  to  the  cause  of  universal  benevolence,  and 
ever  ready  and  willing  to  wield  their  swords  in  the  defense 
of  innocent  maidens,  destitute  widows,  helpless  orphans  and 
the  Christian  religion. 

*     *     *     * 

Ottawa  Commandery  was  organized  under  dispensation 
during  one  of  the  most  critical  periods  in  the  history  of  our 
beloved  country. 

A  terrible  fratricidal  war  was  impending,  brother  was 
arrayed  against  brother,  plowshares  were  being  beaten  into 
swords  and  pruning  hooks  into  spears,  the  reign  of  Emman- 
uel, the  Prince  of  Peace,  was  ignored,  and  our  beloved  Sir 
Knight  \Y.  H.  L.  \Yallace  buckled  on  his  armor  and 
left  his  fireside  and  his  Commander)-  to  do  battle  for  the 
preservation  of  the  Union.  The  Gibsons,  \Y.  L.  and  Theo- 
dore, soon  followed  their  Wallace,  by  whose  side  they  fought 
Santa  Anna  at  Beuna  Vista,  in  the  war  with  Mexico. 

Benjamin  B.  French,  Grand  Master  of  the  Grand  En- 
campment of  Knights  Templar  of  the  United  States,  on 
behalf  of  the  Grand  Encampment,  was  exerting  his  preroga- 
tives in  the  interest  of  the  Prince  of  Peace,  well  knowing 
that  it  would  be  a  terrible  and  bloody  war  of  not  only 
brother  against  brother  but  that  valiant  knights  of  the  order 
would  be  arrayed  against  each  other  in  deadly  conflict  on 
the  bloody  field  of  battle.  In  his  endeavor  to  prevent  this 
great  and  impending  conflict  he  issued  the  following  stirring 
and  knightly  appeal  to  all  the  Knights  Templar  throughout 


HISTORY    OF    OTTAWA    COMMANDERY.  I49 

the  land — North    and  South,    East    and    West — dated    at 
Washington,  D.  C,  April  [8,  1861,  A.  O.  743. 

To  All  True  and  Patriotic  Templars:  Brotherly  Love,  Peace,  Honor: 

An  awful  fratricidal  conflict  seems  to  be  impending.  He  alone 
who  rules  the  destinies  of  nations  can  prevent  it.  He  works 
through  human  instruments.  I  implore  every  Templar  Knight  on 
the  continent  of  America,  after  humbly  seeking  strength  and  aid 
from  on  High,  to  exert  all  the  means  at  his  command  to  avert  the 
dread  calamity,  which,  to  human  vision,  seems  inevitable. 

Let  each  Templar,  to  whom  this  may  come,  remember  how 
often  we  have  stood  at  each  other's  side  and  raised  our  voice  in 
prayer  for  the  prosperity  of  a  common  country  and  a  common 
cause.  Let  all  call  to  mind  how  the  Knights  of  Virginia,  mingling 
in  fraternal  brotherhood  with  those  of  Massachusetts,  pledged  them- 
selves to  each  other  on  Bunker  Hill  only  a  few  brief  years  ago,  and, 
when  another  year  had  passed  away,  the  same  noble  band  stood 
together  in  the  city  of  Richmond,  in  the  state  of  Virginia,  the  birth- 
place of  Washington,  and  with  mutual  vows  bound  their  souls  in 
an  everlasting  covenant! 

Let  them  remember  these  things,  and,  with  hearts  on  fire  with 
love  for  each  other  and  for  their  countrymen,  go  forth  among 
those  countrymen  and  implore  the  arbitrament  of  peace  instead  of 
that  of  the  sword. 

I  ask  no  one  to  surrender  a  principle  that  has  become  dear  to 
his  heart,  but  I  ask  every  one  to  labor  and  to  pray  that  such  coun- 
sels may  take  place  between  the  contending  parties,  who  have  so 
many  years  acted  with  a  common  impulse,  as  to  restore  harmony 
and  kind  feeling,  and  avoid  the  curse  of  having  fraternal  blood  cry- 
ing to  Heaven  from  the  ground  and  bringing  down  its  maledictions 
on  our  children's  children  through  all  future  time! 

Labor  and  pray  that  hostilities  may  be  suspended  until  the 
mild  counsels  of  peace  can  be  appealed  to,  and  that  the  appeal 
may  not  be  in  vain.  Casting  aside  every  political  aspiration,  and 
asking  every  Templar  to  do  the  same,  let  us  as  one  man  unite  in 
one  grand  effort  to  prevent  the  shedding  of  fraternal  blood,  and 
to  inaugurate  here  that  blessed  result  which  our  Lord  and  Master 
initiated:     "Peace  on  earth  and  good  will  to  men." 

Templars!  You  count  in  this  land  by  tens  of  thousands.  Each 
one  has  his  influence  in  the  circles  about  him.  Never,  no  never, 
was  an  opportunity  to  exert  that  influence  in  a  more  holy  cause  or 
more  sublime  purpose.  Forward,  then,  to  the  rescue  of  your  coun- 
try from  fratricidal  war! 

But  if  war  must  come — which  dread  calamity  may  God,  in  His 
infinite  mercy,  avert — then  I  call  on  every  Knights  Templar  to  per- 
form his  duty,  which  so  well  becomes  our  order,  of  binding  up  the 
wounds  of  the  afflcted  and  comforting  those  who  mourn. 

But  the  appeal  of  a  Christian  Knight  Commander  was 


[5O  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

in  vain.  I  he  bloody  conflict  was  on,  and  just  one  month 
from  the  day  that  Ottawa  Comffiandery  was  constituted  our 
beloved  Wallace  fell  on  the  bloody  field  of  Shiloh — slain 
fighting  tor  his  country! 

Xo  more  worthy  Sir  Knight  ever  girded  a  sword  upon 
his  thigh.  Xo  more  honest,  honorable,  charitable,  pure- 
hearted,  hospitable  man  ever  lived  than  Sir  ECnight  William 
llervy  Lamme  Wallace.  Honored  in  his  profession,  re- 
spected hy  his  fellow  citizens,  idolized  by  his  comrades  in 
arms  and  loved  by  his  family,  he  was  borne  to  his  last  rest- 
ing- place  overlooking  this  beautiful  valley  by  his  knight 
fraters,  and  finally  crowned  by  the  rays  of  Eternal  Light 
by  his  Supreme  Commander  in  the  Realms  of  Eternal  Peace. 

Through  all  that  dreadful  struggle,  between  two  of  the 
bravest  contending  armies  the  world  has  ever  known,  the 
burning  tapers  on  the  triangle  of  Christian  Knighthood 
were  never  extinguished,  but  continued  to  reflect  their  re- 
fulgent rays  on  the  pathway  of  friend  and  foe  on  the  bloody 
field  of  battle,  in  the  hospitals,  and  around  the  firesides  of 
desolate  homes,  succoring  the  needy  and  binding  up  the 
wounds  of  the  afflicted,  illustrating  the  universal  benevolence 
and  chivalry  of  modern  knighthood,  and,  when  the  great 
struggle  was  over,  no  political  power,  or  organization,  or 
body  of  men,  did  more,  during  the  reconstruction  days  of 
the  defeated  Confederate  States,  to  regenerate  and  reaffiliate 
the  different  sections  into  a  "Union,  now  and  forever,  one 
and  inseparable."  than  the  Grand  Encampment  of  Knights 
Templar  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

Never,  never  more,  shall  we  behold  such  generous  loyalty 
to  a  country,  such  grand  submission  to  a  victor,  such  digni- 
fied obedience  to  lawful  authority  as  that  witnessed  when 
the  Grand  Commanderies  of  Knights  Templar  south  of  the 
Mason  and  Dixon  line  renewed  their  allegiance  to  the  Grand 
Encampment  of  the  United  States  of  America. 


HISTORY   OF   OTTAWA    COMMANDERY.  1 5  I 

The  most  distressing  loss  to  Ottawa  Commandery  dur- 
ing the  year  1862  was  that  of  General  \V.  H.  L.  Wallace, 

who  was  slain  at  the  hattle  of  Shiloh  on  April  6th.  He  was 
Captain  General  of  Ottawa  Commandery  at  the  time  of  his 
death,  and  not  only  Ottawa  Commandery  and  the  com- 
munity in  which  he  resided,  but  the  entire  nation  mourned 
his  loss.  Ottawa  Commandery  called  a  special  conclave  on 
learning  of  his  death  and  acted  as  escort  to  Occidental 
Lodge,  No.  40,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  under  whose  charge  the 
obsequies  were  conducted.  Prominent  Knights  Templar 
from  Joliet,  Morris  and  Chicago  assisted  in  the  ceremonies. 
Sirs  John  F.  Nash,  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10;  Henry 
\V.  Ranney,  Apollo,  No.  1,  Chicago,  and  Perry  A.  Arm- 
strong, Blaney,  No.  5,  Morris,  111.,  were  appointed  to  draft 
suitable  resolutions  pertaining  to  the  deceased,  which  resolu- 
tions were  reported,  but  unfortunately  not  made  a  part  of 
the  record. 

The  following  were  created  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  No. 
10,  during  the  year  1862:  John  Colwell,  Elias  Cushman 
Hatheway,  Festus  R.  Cleveland,  John  Stout  and  Philo 
Lindley. 

Expelled:     William  B.  McMillan. 

Died:  General  William  Hervy  Lamme  Wallace,  killed 
in  hattle. 

EXCERPTA:  Rather  let  us  remain  a  few,  than,  being  many, 
lose  our  good  name,  bearing  it  ever  in  mind  that  a  "good  name  in 
man  or  woman  is  the  immediate  jewel  of  their  souls." 


1863. 
At  the  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa   Commandery,   No. 
10,    held   December   2,    1862,    the    following   officers    were 
elected  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 
Tohn  B.  Peckham Commander 


I  5_'  'I'll  I".   KNIGHTS  TKM  PLAR, 

Reir  X.  Goodsell Generalissimo 

Theodore  C.  Gibson Captain  General 

Henry  D.  Brown Prelate 

Samuel  C.  Walker Treasurer 

John  Stout    Recorder 

John  F.  Nash Senior  Warden 

John  Colwell Junior  Warden 

Samuel  E.  Miner Standard  Bearer 

C.  C.  Perrin Sword  Bearer 

John  F.  Lamb   Warder 

The  election  of  Captain  of  the  Guards  was  for  some  rea- 
son postponed. 

Created :  George  J.  Burgess,  Gustave  Koch,  George  S. 
Stebhins,  William  H.  Williams,  Thomas  H.  Clark.  Ira  B.  X. 
Bross,  Edward  Martin  Wade  and  Silas  W.  Cheever. 

Affiliated:     Seymour  Stover. 

D emitted:     Festus  R.  Cleveland. 

EXCERPTA:  As  Sir  Knights  of  the  Cross  we  ought  ever  to 
bear  in  mind  the  great  sacrifice  offered  on  Mount  Mcriah  to  can- 
cel the  sins  of  the  world,  and  to  endeavor  to  be  led  and  guided  by 
Him  who  is  the  great  leader  of  the  Hosts  of  Israel! 


1864. 
At  the  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commanderv.  held 
December   1,    1863.  the  following  officers  were  elected   for 
the  ensuing  Templar  year : 

Thomas  Jefferson  Wade Commander 

Theodore  C.  Gibson Generalissimo 

Samuel  E.  Miner Captain  General 

Seymour  Stover Prelate 

Samuel  C.  Walker Treasurer 

Thomas  H.  Clark Recorder 

Reir  N.  Goodsell Senior  Warden 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COM  M  ANDERY.  153 

Henry  F.  Clark   Junior  Warden 

John  B.  Rice Standard  Bearer 

George  S.  Stebbins   Sword  Bearer 

John  I\  Lamb Warder 

George  John  Burgess Captain  of  the  Guard 

Past  Commanders:  E.  Sir  O.  C.  Gray,  E.  Sir  James 
Rhoads,  E.  Sir  John  B.  Peckham. 

Created:  De  Witt  S.  Rawson,  William  Palmer,  Wil- 
liam E.  Bowman,  Jonathan  Duff,  Thomas  E.  G.  T.  Ransom. 

Affiliated:     Matthew  Magill  and  Rev.  Seymour  Stover. 

Demitled:     William  H.  Williams  and  Reir  N.  Goodsell. 

Pied:  Philo  Lindley  and  Thomas  E.  G.  T.  Ransom, 
both  of  whom  died  in  the  service  of  their  country. 

Rev.  Sir  Seymour  Stover  was  Grand  Prelate  of  the 
Grand  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar  of  Illinois  in  1864. 

Sir  Matthew  Magill  affiliated  by  demit  from  Covington 
Commandeiw.  No.  7,  Covington,  K.y. 

In  consideration  of  the  eminent  services  of  Thomas  E. 
G.  T.  Ransom  in  the  services  of  his  country  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery refused  to  accept  usual  fee  for  conferring  the  Or- 
ders of  Knighthood  on  him. 

EXCERPTA:  As  a  Knights  Templar  it  is  hoped  that  you  fully 
realize  the  high  vocation  you  are  called  upon  to  fulfill,  not  only 
through  your  years  of  warfare  and  trial,  but  also  through  those  of 
hope  and  joy. 


1865. 
At  the  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10, 
K.  T.,  held  December  6,   1864,  the  following  officers  were 
elected  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year : 

George  J.  Burgess Commander 

J(  )hn  F.  Lamb Generalissimo 

George  S.  Stebbins Captain  General 


154  ™  E   KNIGHTS    Tl-l.M  PLAR, 

Thomas  Jefferson  Wade ! 'relate 

I  lenry   F.  Clark    Senior  Warden 

John  Col  well Junior  Warden 

Samuel  C.   Walker   Treasurer 

Thomas  1 1.  Clark Recorder 

Levi  Mason   Standard  Bearer 

Charles  S.  C.  Crane Sword  Bearer 

William  E.  Bowman    Warder 

William  Palmer Captain  of  the  Guard 

Past  Commanders:  E.  Sir  0.  C,  Gray,  E.  Sir  James 
Rhoads,  E.  Sir  John  B.  Peckham  and  E.  Sir  Thomas  J. 
Wade. 

Created:     John  L.  Ramsey,  of  Peru  Chapter.  No.  (>o. 

Pern  it  ted:     Levi  Mason. 

E.  Sir  Thomas  J.  Wade  was  Grand  Standard  Bearer  of 
the  Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois  in  1865,  and  E.  Sir 
George  J.  Burgess  was  on  the  grievance  committee  of  the 
Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois  in   1865. 

Charles  F.  Gunther,  of  Peru  (afterwards  the  Chicago 
candy  manufacturer),  was  elected  to  receive  the  Orders  of 
Knighthood  in  Ottawa  Commandery. 

EXCERPT  A:  To  espouse  the  cause  of  her  who  is  deprived  of 
earthly  support,  to  care  for  the  bereaved  ones,  to  watch  over  the 
standard  of  moral  truth,  and  to  be  humble,  yet  courageous,  requires 
faithfulness  on  the  part  of  every  Sir  Knight. 


1866. 

At  the  animal  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10. 
K.  T.,  held  December  5,  1865,  the  following  officers  were 
elected  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

Thomas  J.  Wade Commander 

John  P.  Lamb Generalissimo 

William  L.  Gibson   Captain  General 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  1 55 

George  W.  Lininger Prelate 

Henry  F.  Clark   Senior  Warden 

John  Colwell Junior  Warden 

Samuel  C.  Walker   Treasurer 

Thomas  H.  Clark    Recorder 

Theodore  C.  Gibson   Standard  Bearer 

William  E.  Bowman Sword  Bearer 

John  B.  Rice Warder 

William  Palmer Captain  of  the  Guard 

Past  Commanders:  O.  C.  Gray,  James  Rhoads,  John  B. 
Peckham,  Thomas  J.  Wade  and  George  J.  Burgess. 

Created:  William  E.  Bell,  Frank  B.  Chapman,  Philo 
11.  Zeigler,  Jefferson  H.  Fawcett,  Joseph  Mercer,  William 
I.  Moore,  George  Crossley,  Joseph  Gondolf,  Washington 
Bushnell  and  Charles  Houghtaling. 

Demitted:  Gustave  Koch,  Philo  H.  Zeigler,  Jefferson 
H.  Fawcett,  Joseph  Mercer,  William  I.  Moore,  George 
Crossley,  Matthew  Magill,  David  Walker,  Samuel  E.  Miner 
and  Joseph  L.  Ramsey. 

Sir  Knights  Jefferson  H.  Fawcett,  Joseph  Mercer,  Wil- 
liam I.  Moore,  George  Crossley  and  Levi  Zeigler  lived  at 
or  near  Princeton,  111.,  and  received  the  Orders  of  the  Tem- 
ple in  Ottawa  Commandery  at  a  stated  conclave  April  10, 
1866,  and  at  the  same  conclave  presented  their  petition  to 
the  Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois  for  a  Commandery  of 
Knights  Templar  at  Princeton,  111.  This  petition  was  unan- 
imously recommended  by  Ottawa  Commandery  to  the  Grand 
Commandery.  The  prayer  was  subsequently  granted  for  a 
new  Commandery  at  Princeton,  and  the  above  named  Sir 
Knights  became  charter  members  of  Princeton  Commandery. 

EXCERPTA:  I  trust  that  the  Grand  Encampment  of  Virginia 
will  be  found  in  the  ranks  of  the  Grand  Encampment  of  the  United 
States,  battling  side  by  side  with  those  of  her  sister  states,  North 
and  South,  in  the  cause  of  Faith,  Hope  and  Charity,  until  with  Jus- 


I  56  I'll  E   KNIGHTS  TKM  PL  \K. 

tice,  Fortitude  and  Mercy,  knowing  no  North,  no  South,  no  East,  no 
West,  and  all  uniting  in  obeying  the  teachings  of  that  Grand  Mas- 
ter on  High,  which  requires  that  we  should  do  unto  others  as  we 
would   that   they   should   do  unto  us. 

— Grand  Commander  Gill,  Virginia,  1S66. 


1867. 

At  the  animal  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No. 
10,  K.  T.,  held  December  4,  1866,  the  following-  officers 
were  elected  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

George  W.  Lininger Commander 

William  L.  Gibson   Generalissimo 

George  S.  Stebbins Captain  General 

( reorge  J.  Burgess Prelate 

John   F.   Lamb    Senior   Warden 

Ira  B.  X.  Bross Junior  Warden 

Samuel  C.  Walker Treasurer 

Thomas  H.  Clark Recorder 

John  Col  well Standard  Bearer 

William  E,  Bowman   Sword  Bearer 

Theodore  C.   Gibson    Warder 

Joseph  Gondolf Captain  of  the  Guard 

Past  Commanders:  O.  C.  Gray,  James  Rhoads,  John 
B.  Peckham  and  George  J.  Burgess. 

Created:  Conrad  A.  T.  E.  Holmes.  Casper  Ruedy, 
George  Emerson,  George  F.  Stannard,  Jason  M.  Liscom, 
David  A.  Cook,  Preston  J.  Davis.  Reuben  Everts,  John  Bre- 
voort  and  George  H.  Norris. 

Demitted:  Charles  Houghtaling,  John  Brevoort,  Ira 
B.  X.  Bross,  David  A.  Cook.  Preston  J.  Davis.  George 
Emerson,  Reuben  Everts,  Conrad  A.  T.  E.  Holmes,  George 
W.  Lininger.  Jason  M.  Liscom,  Casper  Ruedy,  De  Witt 
S.  Rawson,  George  E.  Stannard  and  Henry  D.  Brown. 

With  the  exception  of  Charles  Houghtaling.  the  above 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  I  57 

demitted  and  assisted  in  the  organization  of  St.  John's  Com- 
mandery  at  Peru,  111. 

Suspended:     Daniel  H.  Ashton. 

Pied:     George  S.  Stebhins. 

The  year  1867  was  marked  as  a  most  auspicious  one 
in  Masonic  circles  by  one  of  the  greatest  Masonic  events 
ever  having  been  held  in  La  Salle  county — St.  John's  day, 
June  24.  1867.  No  expense  was  spared  by  the  Masonic 
bodies  to  make  the  occasion  a  success.  Peru  Commandery 
band  was  secured  at  an  expense  of  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  dollars,  and  the  Great  Western  Light  Guard  Band,  of 
Chicago,  at  an  expense  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  and 
expenses.  For  entertaining  the  guests  on  the  occasion  the 
Masonic  bodies  guaranteed  the  ladies  of  the  Congregational 
church  five  hundred  plates  at  $1.00  per  plate.  The  ladies  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  also  provided  meals.  Washington  hall 
was  secured  for  a  Masonic  ball  in  the  evening.  Joliet  Com- 
mander)- was  present  with  a  brass  band.  The  procession 
was  formed  at  2  130  p.  m.  on  Clinton  street,  the  right  rest- 
ing on  Madison  street,  under  the  direction  of  General  John 
Morrill  as  grand  marshal  of  the  day.  assisted  by  EL  L.  Her- 
rick,  L.  A.  Rising,  John  L.  Morrison,  Douglas  llapeman, 
H.  A.  McCaleb,  George  \Y.  Fuchs,  Frank  J.  King,  John  F. 
Marriner  and  H.  Koch  as  aids. 

The  order  of  procession  was  as  follows :  Great  Western 
Light  Guard  Band,  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  Knights 
Templar  escort,  Tyler  with  drawn  sword,  two  Stewards 
with  drawn  swords.  Entered  Apprentices,  Fellow  Crafts, 
Master  Masons,  Peru  Masonic  Band,  Stewards,  Junior  Dea- 
cons, Senior  Deacons,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  Junior  Ward- 
ens, Senior  Wardens,  Past  Masters,  Royal  Arch  Masons, 
Joliet  Cornet  Band,  Joliet  Commandery,  No.  4,  Knights 
Templar,   Masters  of   Lodges,   the   Holy   Writings,   Grand 


I  58  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

Chaplain,  (  frator,  officers  of  Grand  Lodge,  officers  of  Grand 
( Chapter. 

Nearly  one  thousand  Masons  were  in  line.  The  proces- 
sion proceeded  through  the  principal  streets,  and  was  halted 
in  the  grove,  in  the  west  part  of  town,  on  the  banks  of  the 
Illinois  river,  where  the  following"  exercises  were  held: 

Invocation  by  the  Chaplain — Rev.  Sir  Kt.  Charles  A. 
Gilbert. 

Vocal  music. 

Music — Great  Western  Light  Guard  Band. 

Address  of  welcome — Sir  Kt.  Julius  C.  Avery. 

Music — Joliet  Cornet  Band. 

Oration— Rev.  Sir  Kt.  O.  H.  Tiffany. 

Vocal  music. 

Benediction — Rev.  Bro.  John  A.  Gray. 

The  procession  was  reformed  and  returned  to  the  Ma- 
sonic hall  and  there  dishanded. 

A  magnificent  banquet  was  served  in  Washington  hall, 
and  dancing  was  participated  in  until  the  wee  sma'  hours 
after  the  banquet. 

Ottawa  Commandery  acted  as  escort  to  Occidental  Lodge 
at  the  funeral  of  George  S.  Stebbins,  which  was  largely  at- 
tended, as  he  was  held  in  the  highest  esteem  by  his  brothers 
and  fraters. 

George  S.  Stebbins — Died  November  29,  [867. 

A  Templar  tribute  to  Sir  Knight  George  S.  Stebbins, 
prepared  by  Sirs  Washington  Bushnell,  George  J.  Burgess 
and  John  B.  Rice,  was  presented  and  adopted  by  Ottawa 
Commandery,  No.  10,  K.  T.,  at  a  stated  conclave  Decem- 
ber 3,   [867,  as  f(  (Hows  : 

Whereas,  By  the  decree  of  an  All  Wise  and  Omnipotent 
Commander,  our  companion.  Sir  Knight  George  S.  Steb- 
bins, has  been  summoned   from  his  post  of  duty  on  earth 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  I  59 

to  appear  before  a  Commandery  which  knows  no  rest  from 
pleasant  duty,  and  where  virtuous  and  honorable  actions 
ever  receive  their  true  and  just  reward,  and  where  their 
memory  is  preserved  on  tablets  which  neither  time  nor  acci- 
dent can  efface. 

Resolved,  That,  in  the  death  of  Sir  Knight  George  S. 
Stebbins,  onr  Commandery  and  the  different  Masonic  bodies 
in  this  city  haye  lost  a  chivalrous,  true  and  devoted  mem- 
ber, and  that  we,  as  members  of  this  Commandery,  have  lost 
one  who,  by  his  Knightly  courtesy  and  magnanimity,  had 
won  our  highest  regard  and  love,  and  one  who  was  ever 
ready  to  draw  his  sword  in  the  cause  of  a  worthy  com- 
panion. 

Possessing  a  mind  of  more  than  ordinary  capacity,  and 
untiring  industry  and  an  independent  integrity,  gentle  and 
unobtrusive  in  his  manners,  ever  respecting  the  rights  of 
others,  impelled  by  noble  and  generous  impulses,  and  guided 
in  all  his  actions  by  the  highest  sense  of  honor  and  right, 
he  was  always  a  kind  and  reliable  friend,  and  in  his  death 
society  has  lost  a  prominent,  active,  useful  and  influential 
member,  onr  Commandery  one  of  its  brightest  gems,  and 
the  fraternity  at  large  one  "who,  though  dead,  is  not  for- 
gotten." 

Resolved,  That  while  we  mourn  the  loss  of  onr  brother 
and  companion.  Sir  Knight  Gorge  S.  Stebbins,  who,  in  the 
prime  of  his  usefulness,  has  so  early  finished  his  pilgrimage 
and  warfare  on  earth,  let  the  sword  he  hath  hung  upon 
the  wall  ever  remind  us  of  the  "daily  beauty  of  his  life,"  and 
that  virtuous  and  honorable  actions  are  infinitely  more  to 
be  prized  than  wealth  or  fame. 

Resolved,  That  we  deeply  sympathize  with  the  widow 
and  family  of  onr  departed  companion;  that  we  will  af- 
ford to  her  and  to  her  children  all  the  aid  and  solace  in 
onr  power  as  companions  and  Sir  Knights. 


l6o  THE   KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  he  spread  upon  the 
records  of  this  Commandery,  that  the  memory  of  the 
worth  and  virtues  of  our  departed  companion  may  bloom 
in  perfect   fragrance. 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  he  published  in  each 
of  the  city  papers  and  in  the  Masonic  Trowel,  and  that  a 
copy  thereof,  under  the  seal  of  the  Commandery,  lie  pre- 
sented to  the  widow  and  family  of  our  departed  com- 
panion. 

EXCERPTA:  Templar  Masonry  occupies  a  high  and  command- 
ing position  in  the  civilized  world,  one  worthy  of  its  fair  fame 
and  its  ancient  renown.  Let  it  be  your  constant  duty  to  preserve 
unsullied  its  high  standing,  to  inculcate  the  great  moral  and  re- 
ligious duties  which  our  ritual  teaches,  and  ever  to  stand  forth  as 
the  champions  of  the  Christian  religion,  which  you  have  once 
solemnly  vowed  to  maintain. 


[868. 

Stated  conclaves  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  each  month. 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery  held 
Decemher  3,  iS()j,  the  following  officers  were  elected  for  the 
ensuing'  Templar  year : 

William  L.  Gibson    Commander 

Henry  F.  Clark   Generalissimo 

William  E.  Bowman   Captain  General 

George  J.  Burgess Prelate 

Thomas  J.   Wade    Senior   Warden 

John  F.  Nash Junior  Warden 

Samuel  C.  Walker   Treasurer 

Thomas  II.  Clark Recorder 

William  H.  Bell   Standard  Bearer 

Quincy  D.  Whitman    Sword  Bearer 

Joseph  Gondolf Captain  of  the  Guards 

The  above  named  officers  were  installed  into  office  by 
P.  C.  Tohn  B.  Peckham  Monday.  Decemher  9,  1867. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  l6l 

Past  Commanders:  Oliver  C.  Gray,  James  Rhoads, 
John  B.  Peckham,  Thomas  J.  Wade  and  George  J.  Bur- 
gess. 

Created:  Robert  M.  McArthur,  John  L.  Morrison, 
Joseph  Ford,  Francis  L.  Fiske.  Douglas  Hapeman  and 
David  Batcheller. 

Dcmittcd:  H.  D.  Brown,  Jonathan  Duff  and  Daniel 
C.  Stone. 

EXCERPTA:  We,  Sir  Knights,  are  bound  together  not  only  by 
the  sacred  vows  of  Knighthood,  but  by  every  noble  aspiration  of 
the  human  heart,  by  every  precept  of  that  Christianity  for  the  de- 
fense of  which  our  lives  are  solemnly  pledged,  and  if  we  stand 
shoulder  to  shoulder,  with  unbroken  ranks,  the  strong  right  hand 
of  each  grasping  ever  the  mystic  blade  of  truth,  and  wielding  it 
with  justice  impartial  in  defense  of  destitute  widows,  helpless  or- 
phans and  the  Christian  religion,  we  may  rely  upon  the  continued 
favor  and  protection  of  our  blessed  Immanuel. 


1869. 

Stated  conclaves  held  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  each 
month. 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Comrhandery,  held 
Tuesday,  December  1.  1869,  the  following  officers  were 
elected  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

John  Fisk  Nash    Commander 

Henry  F  Clark    Generalissimo 

Edward  H.  Smith Captain  General 

George  J.  Burgess    Prelate 

John  L.  Morrison   Senior  Warden 

Robert  M.  McArthur Junior  Warden 

John  R.  Cameron   Treasurer 

Thomas  H.  Clark Recorder 

William  E.  Bowman   Standard  Bearer 

David  Batcheller   Sword  Bearer 

Edward  L.  Herrick   Warder 

Charles  S.  C.  Crane Captain  of  the  Guards 


PAST  EMINENT  COMMANDERS. 

Edward  H.  Smith,  1877-8-9,82-3*  Robert  M.  McArthur,  1880* 

Cairo   D.   Trimble,   1881*  Theodore  C.  Gibson,  1884-5* 

John   P.    Nash,    1S69-76* 
*Deceased. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  163 

Past  Commanders:  James  Rhoads,  Thomas  J.  Wade, 
John  B.  Peckham,  George  J.  Burgess  and  William  L.  Gib- 
son. 

Created:  Ehenezer  Barber,  William  A.  Brundage,  John 
Colwell,  Erastus  De  Wolf,  William  W.  Eastabrook,  David 
R.  Gregg,  Justus  Harris,  Hubert  A.  McCaleb,  John  F. 
MacKinlay,  John  T.  Nichol,  Samuel  Poundstone,  Anthony 
D.  Simon,  William  G.  Smith  and  Walter  Todd. 

Affiliated:     W'illiam  Wilmot  Eastabrook. 

Demitted:  Oliver  Cromwell  Gray,  Edwin  Coan  and 
Walter  Todd. 

Deceased:     Samuel  C.  Walker. 

The  by-laws  of  the  Commandery  were  amended  on 
April  6th,  changing  the  time  of  convening  the  stated  con- 
claves from  the  first  Tuesday  evening  of  each  month  to  the 
second  and  fourth  Thursdays  of  each  month. 

One  of  the  happy  events  occurring  in  Ottawa  Command- 
ery during  the  Templar  year,  1869,  was  the  presentation  by 
the  Commandery,  through  its  Commander,  John  F.  Nash, 
of  a  beautiful  sword  to  Sir  Edward  H.  Smith,  Captain  Gen- 
eral of  the  Commandery,  on  the  16th  of  November,  at  a 
special  conclave  of  the  Commandery. 

Resolutions  of  respect  adopted  by  Ottawa  Commandery 
on  the  death  of  Samuel  C.  Walker,  an  honored  member  and 
one  of  the  most  brilliant  young  attorneys  then  practicing  at 
the  La  Salle  county  bar,  October  26,  1869,  presented  by 
Julius  C.  Avery,  William  L.  Gibson  and  Robert  M.  Mc- 
Arthur,  committee : 

Whereas,  In  the  events  of  this  passing  existence,  we  are 
daily  reminded  of  the  mortality  of  the  human  body,  and  by 
the  frequency  of  this  as  a  lesson,  as  well  as  by  the  teachings 
of  the  solemn  rites  of  our  order,  we  become  so  familiar  with 
this  great  truth  that  it  awakens  little  or  no  emotion  in  our 


I  I  >  I  I'll  E   K  NIGHTS  TKM  PLAR, 

hearts  until  aroused  by  the  grim  messenger  of  death  in  our 
immediate  presence — thus  has  mortality  been  again  brought 
to  our  view  by  the  execution  of  the  solemn  summons  from 
the  Sovereign  Master  of  Heaven  and  Earth  in  removing 
from  our  asylum,  into  another  state  of  existence,  our  beloved 
brother  and  companion.  Sir  Knight  Samuel  C.  Walker;  and. 

Whereas,  Death  in  our  midst  is  always  sad,  yet  in  the 
decease  of  Sir  Knight  Samuel  C.  Walker  we  are  conscious 
of  a  poignant  sorrow  seldom  felt.  He  was  true  to  his  Ma- 
sonic obligations,  valiant  and  courteous  as  a  Knight  should 
be,  faithful  and  generous  as  a  friend  could  desire,  and  con- 
stant as  a  brother  and  companion  could  wish.  His  very 
manner  of  speech  and  action  impressed  all  with  his  truthful- 
ness that  when  he  spoke  he  needed  no  voucher.  We  recog- 
nize in  our  departed  Sir  Knight  a  mind  richly  endowed  by 
nature,  well  trained  by  early  education,  and  garnered  full 
of  varied  and  useful  information.  These  accomplishments, 
combined  with  the  finest  social  qualities  and  conversational 
[lowers,  made  his  company  courted  by  us  all.  We  can  ill- 
afford  to  lose  such  friends,  and,  while  we  mourn  our  sad 
bereavement,  there  is  a  vacancy  in  our  Commandery  and  a 
void  in  our  hearts  that  our  lamentations  cannot  till;  there- 
fore, be  it. 

Resolved,  That  while  we  bow  with  submission  to  the 
will  of  Divine  Providence  let  us  improve  the  present  hour 
that  we  may  more  earnestly  seek  an  immortality  beyond  the 
fleeting  life  where  the  messenger  of  death  can  come  no 
more  forever. 

Resolved,  That  we,  as  a  Commander}-,  renew  our  solemn 
obligations  in  love  and  fellowship  to  each  other,  and  with 
subdued  hearts  and  softened  affections  imitate  the  virtues 
n\  our  departed  Sir  Knight,  who.  in  all  the  relations  of  life, 
was  "the  soul  of  honor." 

Resolved,  That  while  the  memory  of  his  virtues  linger 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  165 

in  our  remembrance  and  reflects  its  shining-  luster  from 
beyond  the  portals  of  the  tomb,  so  should  it  cheer  our  weary 
pilgrimage  here  below,  and  prepare  us  to  renew  our  fraternal 
greetings  on  the  other  side  of  time. 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  to  the  widow  and  relatives  of 
our  deceased  companion  the  assurance  of  our  deepest  sym- 
pathy in  their  great  bereavement. 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be  spread  upon  the 
records  of  our  Commandery  and  a  copy  delivered  to  the 
widow  of  the  deceased. 

EXCERPTA:  What  may  we  not  hope  from  the  noble  army  of 
Knights  Templar  in  our  country  who  profess  to  have  these  high 
virtues  as  the  cardinal  rules  of  their  lives?  When  we  bled  on 
fields  of  strife,  and  from  wounds  given  and  received  in  obedience 
to  demands  which  we  believed  were  imposed  upon  us  by  honor  and 
sanctioned  by  law  and  duty,  we  knelt  beside  each  other's  bloody 
forms,  and  in  the  spirit  of  Knighthood  and  Christianity  we  min- 
istered to  each  other's  comfort.  The  life  that  seemed  ready  to 
pass  away,  through  wounds  we  bad  inflicted,  became  precious  to 
us,  and  we  prayed  that  it  might  remain  to  gladden  us  in  future 
peaceful  hours.  The  heart  whose  weary  throbbings  seemed  about 
to  stop  with  weariness  of  life  moved  with  a  new  impulse  when  it 
was  warmed  in  a  brother's  bosom,  and  whether  the  vestments 
which  covered  it  were  blue  or  gray  the  soul  considered  not.  It 
was  a  Templar's  bosom  that  warmed  a  brother's  heart. — [Oration 
by  John  T.  Morgan  at  banquet  on  occasion  of  installation  of  officers 
of  the  Grand  Commandery  K.  T.  of  Alabama,  December,  1868,  Mont- 
gomery, Ala.] 


1870. 

Stated  conclaves  the  second  Thursday  of  each  month. 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  con- 
vened in  the  asylum  December  9,  1869,  the  following  officers 
were  elected  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year  : 

John  F.  Nash    Commander 

George  J.  Burgess   Generalissimo 

Edward  H.  Smith   Captain  General 

William  W.  Estabrook   Prelate 


[66  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

John  L.  Morrison   Senior  Warden 

Rlobert  M.  McArthur Junior  Warden 

John  Stout Treasurer 

Thomas  II.  Clark Recorder 

William  E.  Bowman Standard  Bearer 

William  L.  Gibson Sword  Bearer 

1  )a\  id   Batcheller    Warder 

1  )avid  R.  Gregg Captain  of  the  Guards 

Past  Commanders:  James  Rhoads,  Thomas  J.  Wade, 
John  R  Peckham,  George  J.  Burgess  and  William  L.  Gib- 
son. 

Created:  Arthur  Lockwood,  Charles  Marcus  Catlin, 
Leverett  O.  Black.  John  C.  Fulton,  Robert  Henning,  Charles 
Miller  Carpenter,  Leman  A.  Rising,  John  Bohlander,  Alvin 
E.  Tyler,  Francis  P.  Du  Plain,  Henry  Clay  Nash  and  Addi- 
son 11.  Tyler. 

Died:     Julius  Cfeesar  Avery  and  Charles  P.  Clark. 

At  a  special  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  convened 
on  Thursday,  November  22(\,  the  Eminent  Commander  an- 
nounced the  death  of  Sir  Knight  Julius  C.  Avery,  one  of  the 
most  highly  esteemed  and  valiant  Knights  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, and  that  the  funeral  would  take  place  on  the  next 
day  at  2  o'clock  from  the  residence  of  his  brother,  George 
Avery,  East  Ottawa.  The  following  committee  on  resolu- 
tions was  appointed  by  the  Eminent  Commander :  Thomas 
J.  Wade,  John  F.  Nash,  Arthur  Lockwood,  Robert  Mc- 
Arthur and  Robert  Henning,  who  presented  the  following 
resolutions,  which  were  adopted  by  the  Commandery. 

Whereas.  In  the  death  of  Companion  Sir  Knight  Julius 
C.  Avery,  a  bright  burning  taper  of  life  has  been  extin- 
guished iu  our  Commandery,  and  our  asylum  shrouded  in 
the  deepest  gloom.  This  sad  event  calls  to  mind  the  striking 
and  oft   repeated  lesson  o\   mortality  that  man  is  born  to 


History  of  Ottawa  cOmmandery.  i&j 

die.  It  also  revives  our  faith  and  points  us  to  a  blessed  im- 
mortality beyond  the  grave,  thus  impressing  our  minds  with 
lessons  of  wisdom  and  instruction,  and  the  importance  of 
that  preparation  for  the  last  great  change  that  must  soon 
pass  upon  us  all.  While  thus  called  to  mourn  the  loss  of  a 
cherished  companion  in  arms,  whose  foot-falls  will  never 
more  he  heard  within  our  council  halls,  and  whose  lips  will 
never  more  thrill  our  hearts  with  the  eloquence  of  truth,  as 
in  days  gone  by,  yet  we  will  ever  cherish  his  memory  as  a 
true  and  courteous  Knight,  who  has  fallen  in  life's  struggle 
full  knightly  with  his  armor  on  prepared  for  knightly 
deeds;  therefore,  he  it 

Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  Sir  Knight  Julius  A  ven- 
om- order  has  lost  one  of  its  brightest  jewels,  and  societv  an 
active,  honorable,  high-minded  citizen. 

Resolved,  That  we  will  cherish  his  memory,  imitate  his 
virtues,  and  ever  bear  testimony  to  his  integrity  as  a  just 
and  upright  man. 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  lie  spread  upon  the 
records  of  the  Commandery  and  published  in  the  city  papers, 
and  a  certified  copy  be  transmitted  to  the  family  of  the.  de- 
ceased. 

Resolved,  That  our  asylum  be  draped  in  mourning  and 
that  the  members  of  the  Commander)-  wear  crepe  on  their 
swords  for  ninety  days. 

EXCERPTA:  We  are  engaged  in  a  noble  and  glorious  cause, 
a  warfare  against  vices,  errors  and  superstitions  of  the  day,  and, 
although  we  may  not  be  called  upon  to  perform  the  deeds  of  noble 
daring  that  characterized  the  Knights  of  the  olden  time,  yet  we 
should  endeavor,  as  members  of  our  beloved  order,  to  mark  our 
path  through  life  with  deeds  of  charity  and  pure  benevolence,  re- 
membering that 

The  drying  up  a  single  tear  has  more 

Of  honest  fame  than  shedding  seas  of  gore. 


[68  III  E   KNIGHTS    I'l'.M  l'l.AK. 

I  87  I . 

At   the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa   Commandery,  con 
vened  in  the  asylum  on   December  8,    1S70,  the  following 
officers  were  elected  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

John  F.  Nash Commander 

(  reorge  J.  Burgess Generalissimo 

Edward  Henry  Smith Captain  ( General 

William  Wilmot  Estabrook   Prelate 

Robert  McKim  McArthur   Senior  Warden 

David  Batcheller Junior  Warden 

Henry  Clay  Nash   Treasurer 

Edward  Livingston  Herrick Recorder 

Francis  L.  Fiske Standard  Bearer 

Hubert  Arrville  McCaleb Sword  Bearer 

Leman  Aranah  Rising    Warder 

David  Robbins  Gregg Captain  of  the  Guard 

Past  Commanders:  George  J.  Burgess,  James  Rhoads, 
William  L.  Gibson,  John  B.  Peckham  and  Thomas  J.  Wade. 

Created:  Eliphalet  Follett  Bull.  George  Lee  Walker, 
George  Beatty  and  William  C.  Tillson. 

Affiliated:     David  Walker  and   Henry  M.   Fusselman. 

Demitted:  Charles  Stout.  John  F.  Lamb,  Frank  B. 
Chapman  and  William  W.  Estabrook. 

Expxdled:     Erastus  De  Wolf. 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  March 
9,  1871,  the  committee,  W.  W.  Estabrook,  Thomas  II. 
Clark  and  R.  M.  McArthur,  appointed  to  draft  resolutions 
expressing  the  sense  of  the  Commandery  on  the  death  of 
the  Rev.  Sir  Knight  Charles  P.  Clark,  reported  the  follow- 
ing, which  were  unanimously  adopted  : 

Whereas,  By  the  lessons  taught  through  the  tenets  of 
our  order  our  minds  become  so  familiar  with  the  emblems 
of   mortality    that    we    are   apt   to   lose    sight    ^\    its    stern 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  1 69 

reality,  but  when  the  messenger  of  death  sounds  an  alarm 
at  the  door  of  our  asylum,  and  summons  hence  one  of  our 
number,  we  are  startled  with  the  realities  of  life  and  the 
fleetness  of  time.  Thus  have  we  been  again  reminded  of 
the  death  of  our  companion.  Sir  Knight  Rev.  Charles  P. 
Clark,  that  the  pilgrimage  of  human  life  "is  but  a  few 
days  and  full  of  trouble";  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we.  as  a  Commander}',  in  contemplation 
of  this  sad  event,  renew  our  solemn  obligations  to  each 
other  in  a  closer  fraternal  fellowship,  ever  remembering 
that  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  we  too  must  go  the 
way  of  all  the  earth. 

Resolved,  That  while  cherishing  the  memory  of  our  de- 
parted companion  in  arms,  we  should  always  remember  his 
''sunny  side"  of  life,  especially  in  connection  with  the  genial 
associations  of  the  banquet  hall,  when  his  wit  and  humor 
was  ever  ready  to  enliven  and  instruct. 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be  spread  upon  the 
records  and  that  our  swords  be  draped  with  the  usual  badge 
of  mourning". 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery  Decem- 
ber 14,  1871,  E.  C.  John  F.  Nash,  on  behalf  of  the  Com- 
mandery, presented  to  Rev.  Sir  W.  \Y.  Estabrook,  who 
was  about  to  leave  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Commander}-,  a 
gold  watch  chain,  with  a  beautiful  Templar  emblem  attached, 
as  a  testimonial  of  their  appreciation  of  his  services  and 
conduct  as  a  man,  a  Mason  and  a  courteous  Knight.  Sir 
Knight  Estabrook  accepted  the  gift  and  expressed  his 
thanks  to  the  members  of  the  Commandery  for  the  same. 

EXCERPTA:  Give  your  flowers  to  those  you  love  while  they 
live,  post-mortem  fragrance  dies  on  the  empty  air.  One  rose  in  life 
is  better  than  seven  harps  with  a  broken  string  after  the  loved  one 
has  vanished  from  your  view.  Your  floral  gates-ajar  wilting  in 
a  cheerless  cemetery  are  emblems  of  your  despair,  while  the  be- 
loved walks  amid  the  fadeless  lilies  in  the  King's  Garden. 


I/O  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

[872. 

At  the  slated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  con- 
vened in  the  asylum  on  December  14,  [871,  the  following 
officers  were  elected  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

John  F.  Nash    Commander 

I  )avid    Walker    Generalissimo 

Edward  H.  Smith   Captain  General 

George  J.  Burgess Prelate 

Henry  C.   Nash    Treasurer 

Edward  L.  Herrick   Recorder 

Robert  M.  McArthur Senior  Warden 

David  Batcheller   Junior  Warden 

Francis  L.  Fiske Standard  Bearer 

Hubert  A.  McCaleb Sword  Bearer 

Leman  A.  Rising Warder 

Justus  Harris    Captain  of  the  Guard 

Past  Commanders:  George  J.  Burgess.  William  L. 
Gibson,  John  B.  Peckham.  James  Rhoads  and  Thomas 
J.  Wade* 

Created:     William  H.  Moore  and  Henry  J.  Waite. 

Suspended:     Joseph  Gondolf. 

Demitted:  John  F.  Lamb,  William  W.  Estabrook, 
Frank  B.  Chapman  and  Ouincy  I).  Whitman. 

John  F.  Nash  was  elected  Grand  Standard  Bearer  of 
the  Grand  Commandery  in   1872. 

EXCERPTA:  If  a  brother  errs  be  not  the  first  to  shun  him. 
If  a  brother  falls  into  bad  habits  and  evil  ways  be  not  the  first  by 
cold  neglect  or  more  active  means  to  accelerate  his  fall.  Hold 
him  up  rather,  encourage  him,  stimulate  him  to  exertion,  encourage 
him  to  fight  manfully  the  good  fight  against  temptations,  the  vani- 
ties, the  follies  of  this  world  to  which  our  weak  natures  are  so 
prone. 


At  the  stated  conclave  ^\   Ottawa    Commandery.    con- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  I7I 

vened  in  the  asylum  December  12,  1872,  the  following  offi- 
cers were  elected  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year  : 

John  Fisk  Nash Commander 

John   Rush  Cameron    Generalissimo 

Edward  Henry  Smith   Captain  General 

George  John  Burgess Prelate 

Robert  McKim  McArthur   Senior  Warden 

David  Batcheller Junior  Warden 

Henry  Clay  Nash Treasurer 

Edward  Livingston  Herrick   Recorder 

James  N.  Colwell Standard  Bearer 

John  L.  Morrison Sword  Bearer 

Eliphalet  Follett  Bull   Warder 

Justus  Harris   Captain  of  the  Guard 

Past  Commanders:  George  J.  Burgess,  William  L. 
Gibson,  John  B.  Peckham,  James  Rnoads  and  Thomas  J. 
Wade. 

Created:  Edward  J.  Tillotson,  John  J.  De  Motte  and 
William  H.  Dent. 

Degraded:     William  E.  Bell. 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  the  Commandery.  March  13, 
1873,  on  invitation  of  the  Commandery,  Daniel  Dustin, 
Grand  Commander,  and  L.  E.  Osborn,  Grand  Captain  Gen- 
eral of  the  Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois,  were  received  by 
the  Commandery.  This  was  a  festive  occasion  for  old  Ot- 
tawa Commandery.  There  were  present  the  officers  and 
members  of  Joliet  Commandery,  No.  4;  Blaney  Command- 
ery, No.  5;  Aurora  Commandery,  No.  22;  St.  John's  Com- 
mandery. No.  26,  Pern.  111.,  and  many  visitors  from  other 
states. 

John  Fisk  Nash,  in  his  truly  characteristic  style,  added 
to  the  laurals  of  Ottawa  Commandery  on  this  occasion. 

EXCERPTA:  We.  as  an  order,  claim  to  be  an  association  of 
Christian  gentlemen;  as  Knights  Templar  we  bow  at  the  Christian's 


1/2  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

altar  and  worship  the  Christian's  God.  Within  our  asylums  are 
taught  those  sublime  lessons  which  should  sink  deep  into  the  heart 
with  soothing  influences,  like  murmurs  of  the  falling  flood.  It  is 
here   that 

The  pulse  of  avarice  forgets  to  move, 
A  purer  rapture  fills  the  breast   of  love, 
Devotion  lifts  to  heaven  a  holier  eye, 
And  tenderest   pity  heaves   a   softer  sigh. 


1S74. 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commander}-,  con- 
vened in  the  asylum  December  1  i,  [873,  the  following  offi- 
cers were  elected  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year : 

John  Fisk  Xash Commander 

John  Rush  Cameron Generalissimo 

Edward  H.  Smith Captain  General 

George  J.  Burgess    Prelate 

Robert  M.  McArthur Senior  Warden 

1  )a\  id  Batcheller   Junior  Warden 

Edward  L.  Herrick Recorder 

Henry  C.  Nash Treasurer 

John  L.  Morrison   Sword  Bearer 

Theodore  C.  Gibson   Standard  Bearer 

E.  Follett  Bull   Warder 

Justus  Harris Captain  of  the  Guard 

Pasi  Commanders:  George  J.  Burgess,  William  L.  Gib- 
son. John  B.  Peckham,  James  Rhoads  and  Thomas  J.  Wade. 

Created:  A.  C.  Mclntire,  Patrick  Ryan.  D.  H.  Slagie. 
Charles  Wilkins  and  1).  C.  Withrow. 

EXCERPTA:  Our  object  is  to  strengthen  and  maintain  an 
order  upon  a  certain  distinct  and  plain  wrought  foundation.  If 
novitiates  have  not  confidence  in  the  foundation  laid,  then  they 
have  no  part  in  the  superstructure,  for,  in  this  Temple,  founda- 
tion stone,  buttressed  wall  and  climbing  tower  are  all  hewn  from 
the  same  rock  and  polished  by  the  same  rule.  The  foundation  is 
the   life,    crucifixion,   atonement    and   resurrection   of  Christ   Jesus, 


II  I  STORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  I  73 

our  Lord.  Every  living  stone  added  to  the  superstructure,  before 
being  incorporated  into  the  wall,  must  be  permeated  by  His  life, 
made  alive  through  His  crucifixion  and  atonement. 


1875- 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Cbmmandery,  convened 
in  the  asylum  of  the  Commandery,  December  10,  1874,  the 
following  officers  were  elected  for  the  ensuing  Templar 
year : 

John  Fisk  Nash Commander 

John  R.  Cameron Generalissimo 

Edward  H.  Smith Captain  General 

George  J.  Burgess Prelate 

Robert  M.  McArthur Senior  Warden 

David  Batcheller   Junior  Warden 

Henry  C.  Nash Treasurer 

Edward  L.  Herrick Recorder 

John  L.  Morrison   Sword  Bearer 

Arthur  Cox  Mclntire Standard  Bearer 

E.  Follett  Bull    Warder 

Justus  Harris   Captain  of  the  Guard 

Past  Commanders:  George  J.  Burgess,  William  L.  Gib- 
son, John  B.  Peckham,  James  Rhoads  and  Thomas  J.  Wade. 

Created:  William  C.  Hall,  Henry  Mayo,  James  O'Don- 
nell,  James  Rathbun,  William  Thomas,  Walter  B.  Titus  and 
John  H.  Widmer. 

Dcmitted :  George  H.  Norris,  Edward  J.  Tillotson  and 
William  C.  Tillson. 

Suspended:     Charles  M.  Catlin  and  Joseph  Ford. 

This  was  the  last  conclave  (December  10th)  held  by 
Ottawa  Commandery  in  their  new  asylum,  which  was  de- 
stroyed by  fire  on  the  night  of  December  2J,  1874.  The 
next  conclave  of  the  Commanderv  was  held  in  the  old  Ma- 


I~4  TH  E   KNIGHTS  TEW  PLAR, 

sonic  hall,  in  the  Lynch  block,  on  Main  street.  January  14, 
[875,  at  which  time  a  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Com- 
mander was  read  empowering  the  Commandery  to  hold  con- 
claves and  transact  business  of  the  Commandery  until  a  new 

charter  sin  mid  be  issued  to  take  the  place  of  one  destroyed  by 
the  fire  which  destroyed  the  Masonic  Temple  on  the  night 
of  I  )ecember  27.  [874. 

On  the  occasion  of  the  loss  by  Ottawa  Commandery  by 
the  above  fire  of  the  relics  and  paraphernalia  and  arms, 
necessary  for  the  conferring'  of  the  orders,  Joliet  Command- 
ery. No.  4,  came  forward  with  resolutions  of  sympathy  and 
offered  the  use  of  their  equipments  until  such  time  as  Ot- 
tawa Commandery  had  provided  a  new  outfit.  This  offer 
was  very  courteously  accepted  by  Ottawa  Commandery  with 
thanks  and  a  beautiful  reply  was  formulated  by  that  valiant 
and  magnanimous  Knight,  Sir  Robert  M.  McArthur,  which 
was  adopted  by  the  Commandery  by  an  unanimous  voice. 

It  was  not,  however,  necessary  for  Ottawa  Commandery 
to  avail  herself  of  the  magnanim<  us  offer  of  Joliet,  No.  4. 
for  every  Knight  of  Ottawa  Commandery  came  forward 
with  an  open  purse  and  soon  had  the  necessary  equipments 
for  carrying  on  the  work  of  the  Commandery. 

EXOERPTA:  We  are  not  a  dilettante,  pleasure-seeking  so- 
ciety. Christianity  is  our  foundation;  its  maintenance  the  avowed 
object  of  our  organization.  As  a  Knight  Templar  we  accept  the 
whole  teachings  of  the  order.  We  can  so  follow  out  these  teach- 
ings that  wherever  a  Templar  walks  a  halo  of  purity  shall  exhale 
from  his  life  as  perfume  from  a  flower.  The  oppressed  shall  recog- 
nize him  from  afar.  The  oppressor,  the  contaminator  of  virtue,  the 
plotter  against    manhood,   shall   shun   him   as   they   shun   death. 


At   the   stated  conclave  of  Ottawa   Commandery,   con- 
vened in  the  asylum  of  the  Commandery,  December  9,  1875, 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  I  75 

the  following-  officers  were  elected  for  the  ensuing  Templar 
year : 

John  Fisk  Nash Commander 

John  L.  Morrison Generalissimo 

Edward  H.  Smith Captain  General 

George  J.  Burgess Prelate 

Henry  C.  Nash   Treasurer 

Edward  L.  Herrick Recorder 

Robert  M.  Mc Arthur Senior  Warden 

Walter  B.  Titus Junior  Warden 

John  H.  Widmer Sword  Bearer 

Arthur  C.  Mclntire Standard  Bearer 

Leman  A.  Rising Warder 

Justus  Harris Captain  of  the  Guard 

Past  Commanders:  George  J.  Burgess,  William  L. 
Gibson,  John  B.  Peckham,  James  Rhoads  and  Thomas  J. 
Wade. 

Created:  Charles  Henry  Gilman,  John  Chrysostom 
Campbell,  August  Haeberlin,  Jacob  Winfield  Moon,  Robert 
G.  Ewing,  George  Washington  Landers  and  William  Henry 
Pilcher. 

Admitted:  Cairo  D.  Trimble,  Henry  W.  Ensminger, 
Charles  A.  Hanley  and  Charles  E.  Stephens. 

Reinstated:     Charles  M.  Catlin. 

Died:     Edward  L.  1  lerrick. 

Remitted:  Thomas  H.  Clark,  John  B.  Peckham,  Sey- 
more  Stover,  James  CXDonnell,  John  Bohlander,  Dwight  W. 
Fuller  and  E.  M.  Wade. 

Ottawa  Commandery  was  inspected  by  James  G.  El- 
wood,  Grand  Warder  of  the  Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois, 
on  the  27th  of  April.  There  were  present,  besides  T.  T. 
Gurney,  Grand  Commander  of  the  Grand  Commandery  of 
Illinois,  representatives  of  seven  sister  commanderies. 

EXCERPTA:      The  time   has    come  when   men   are  judged   by 


17''  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

what  they  are  rather  than  what  they  profess  to  he.  The  parapher- 
nalia of  our  order  gathers  lustre  and  reflects  honor  only  in  propor- 
tion as  we  illustrate  the  principles  which  are  thus  symbolized. 


1877. 
At   the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa    Commandery,  con- 
vened  in   the  asylum   of  the   Commandery,    December    14, 
[876,   the   following  officers  were  elected  for  the  ensuing 
Templar  year : 

Edward  Henry  Smith Commander 

Robert   McKim  McArthur    Generalissimo 

John  Lyal  Morrison Captain  General 

George  John  Burgess   Prelate 

Walter  Briggs  Titus   Senior  Warden 

Cairo  Darius  Trimble Junior  Warden 

Henry  Clay  Nash Treasurer 

John  Fisk  Nash   Recorder 

John  Henry  Widmer Sword  Bearer 

Leman  Aranah  Rising Warder 

David  Robbins  Gregg Captain  of  the  Guard 

Past  Commanders:  George  J.  Burgess,  William  L.  Gib- 
son, James  Rhoads,  Thomas  J.  Wade  and  John  Fisk  Nash. 

Created:  Lester  O.  Phillips,  Walter  1).  Strawn  and 
Edward  C.  Lewis. 

Affiliated:     David  A.  Cook. 

Pemitted:  Henry  F.  Clark,  Charles  S.  C.  Crane,  Wil- 
liam Palmer,  Thomas  J.  Wade,  Addison  H.  Tyler,  David 
Walker,  Henry  W.  Fusselman,  William  H.  Dent,  Henry  W. 
Ensminger  and  Arthur  C.  Mclntire. 

Suspended :  John  Colwell,  William  C.  Smith,  John  C. 
Fulton  and  Francis  P.  DuPlain. 

Degraded:     Charles  H.  Hawley. 

Ottawa  Commandery  was  honored  by  the  Grand  Com- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  1 77 

mandery  at  the  annual  conclave  by  the  election  of  John  Fisk 
Nash  as  Grand  Commander  of  the  Grand  Commandery  of 
Knights  Templar  of  the  state  of  Illinois. 

Ottawa  Commandery  was  inspected  by  James  G.  El- 
wood,  Grand  Sword  Bearer  of  the  Grand  Commandery, 
June  2ist,  and  he  made  the  following  report  to  the  Grand 
Commander : 

"Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  courteously  invited  my 
inspection,  at  their  beautiful  asylum,  on  the  evening  of  June 
2 1st,  and,  in  company  with  the  Eminent  Commander  of 
Joliet,  No.  4,  I  participated  in  a  most  enjoyable  Templar 
reunion  of  the  gallant   Knights  of  that  Commandery. 

"The  work  upon  the  Order  of  the  Red  Cross  by  Eminent 
Sir  E.  H.  Smith  was  faultless  and  most  remarkable,  it  being 
one  of  his  first  efforts  as  Commander,  and  the  assistance 
from  his  officers,  whose  familiar  faces  make  Ottawa  asylum 
so  welcome,  was  rendered  in  such  smooth  and  even  manner 
as  to  add  greatly  to  the  exemplification  of  the  order." 

EXCERPTA:  The  faith  of  the  Templar  is  broad  as  the  neces- 
sity of  a  needy  world,  and  high  as  heaven.  Lived  out  in  thought, 
word  and  deed  it  produces  characters  like  palm  trees,  glorious  in 
their  symmetry  and  beauty. 


1878. 
At  the  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
December   [3,   1877,  the  following  officers  were  elected  for 
the  ensuing"  Templar  year : 

Edward  Henry  Smith Commander 

Robert  McKim  McArthur Generalissimo 

John  Lyal  Morrison Captain  General 

George  John  Burgess   Prelate 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Senior  Warden 

Elias  Cushman  Hatheway   Junior  Warden 


I7§  THE  KNIGHTS  TEM  PLAR, 

Henry  Clay  Nash  Treasurer 

John  I  •'  i  >  k  Nash   Recorder 

James  Edward  Rathbun Standard  Bearer 

John  Henry  W'idmer Sword  Bearer 

I  >avid   Alpheus   Cook    Warder 

David  Robbins  Gregg Captain  of  the  Guard 

Past  Conmmmders:  James  Rhoads,  William  L.  Gibson, 
Thomas  J.  Wade,  George  J.  Burgess  and  John  F.  Nash. 

Created:     Ezekiel  Howland  and  Asa  Mann  Hoffman. 

Demitted:     John  F.  MacKinlay  and  Henry  J.  Waite. 

Suspended:  John  C.  Campbell  and  Christopher  C.  Per- 
rin. 

EXCERPTA:  Ours  is  an  order  such  as  earth  and  heaven  may 
foster  in  the  sweeping  march  of  man's  restoration  and  the  yearn- 
ing instincts  of  the  human  heart.  Unscathed  from  prejudices,  and 
untrammelled  by  political  despotism,  it  stretches  from  the  Occident 
to  the  orient.  The  boisterous  lashings  of  seas  and  oceans  mingle 
with  its  morning  orisons,  while  the  gentle  zephyrs  of  continents 
harmonize  with  its  evening  hymns. 


1879. 
At  the  annual   conclave  of  Ottawa   Commandery,   held 
December  12,   1878,  the  following  officers  were  elected  for 
the  ensuing  Templar  year  : 

Edward  Henrv  Smith Commander 

Robert    McKim   McArthur    Generalissimo 

Cairo  Darius  Trimble   Captain  General 

( ieorge  John  Burgess   Prelate 

Walter  Briggs  Titus   Senior  Warden 

Elias  Cnshman   Ilathewav    Junior  Warden 

Henry  Clay  Nash   Treasurer 

John  Stout    Rec<  irder 

Francis  Lyman  Fiske Standard  Bearer 

John  Henrv  Widmer Sword  Bearer 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  1 79 

John  Fisk  Nash   Warder 

David  Robbins  Gregg' Captain  of  the  Guard 

Past  Commanders:  James  Rhoads,  William  L.  Gibson, 
Thomas  J.  Wade,  George  J.  Burgess  and  John  Fisk  Nash. 

D emitted :     Leman  A.  Rising. 

There  were  but  four  conclaves  of  Ottawa  Commandery 
held  during  the  year  1879. 

EXCERPTA:  It  was  one  of  the  beautiful  fictions  of  ancient 
mythology  that  the  bubbles  leaped  from  the  magic  chaldron  of 
Media,  impregnated  the  spots  on  which  they  fell  with  luxuriant 
vegetation,  and  clothed  them  with  luxuriant  beauty.  Thus  it  is 
with  Knight  Templarism.  The  presence  of  our  order  is  attested 
in  its  march  through  the  land — where  flowers  of  unearthly  time 
and  fragrance  spring  from  the  spot  the  Knight  has  trod,  and  the 
desert  of  crafty  selfishness  assumes  the  loveliness  of  Eden. 


1880. 

At  the  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
December  11,  1879,  the  following  officers  were  elected  for 
the  ensuing  Templar  year  : 

Robert  McKim  McArthur Commander 

Washington  Bushnell Generalissimo 

Cairo  Darius  Trimble    Captain  General 

George  John  Burgess   Prelate 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Senior  Warden 

Elias  Cushman  Hatheway Junior  Warden 

Henry  Clay  Nash Treasurer 

Asa  Mann  Hoffman Recorder 

Douglas  Hapeman Standard  Bearer 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson Sword  Bearer 

John  Fisk  Nash   W'arder 

Patrick  Ryan    Captain  of  the  Guard 

Past  Comiiuhiiders:  James  Rhoads,  William  L.  Gibson, 
Thomas  J.  Wade,  George  J.  Burgess,  John  F.  Nash  and 
Edward  H.  Smith. 


[80  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

Reinstated:    John  C.  Fulton. 

Demitted:  William  L.  Gibson,  Robert  Henning,  John 
T.  Nichols,  George  L.  Walker,  Ozell  Trask  and  John  C. 
Fulton, 

Suspended:     William  A.  Brundage. 

Died:     Charles  H.  Gilman. 

The  twenty-first  triennial  conclave  of  the  Grand  En- 
campment of  Knights  Templar  of  the  United  States  of 
America  was  held  in  the  city  of  Chicago,  beginning  August 
7th. 

Ottawa  Commandery  did  not  attend  this  conclave  as  a 
Commandery,  notwithstanding  the  conclave  being  held  in 
our  own  state  and  within  a  couple  of  hours'  ride  from  our 
home.  Many  of  the  individual  fraters  of  the  Commandery, 
however,  attended  and  were  overwhelmed  with  the  beauty 
of  the  imposing  pageant  on  the  day  of  the  grand  parade. 

Nothing  worthy  of  note  transpired  in  Ottawa  Command- 
ery during  the  Templar  year  of  1880. 

In   Memoriam — Sir  Charles  H.  Gilman. 

Sir  Charles  H.  Gilman  was  born  in  East  Windom,  Conn., 
March  1.  1817,  and  came  west  to  Pern,  Illinois,  in  1840. 
A  few  years  later  he  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  in 
Mendota,  111.,  whence  he  had  moved,  and  in  1869  was  elected 
judge  of  the  County  Court  of  La  Salle  county,  and  moved 
to  Ottawa.  After  serving  as  judge  of  the  County  Court  he 
formed  a  law  partnership  with  Washington  Bushnell  and, 
subsequently,  with  David  A.  Cook,  his  son-in-law.  His 
death  was  untimely,  and  occurred  April  14,  1880.  Sir 
Charles  II.  Gilman  was  the  father  of  Mrs.  David  A.  Cook 
and  Sir  William  II.  Gilman,  of  East  Ottawa. 

Sir  Gilman  was  a  man  of  fine  physique.  Being  large  and 
well  proportioned,  he  was  a  conspicuous  man  among  men. 
I  fe  was  a  man  of  brilliant  intellect  and  a  tine  linguist.    There 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  [8l 

was  not  a  more  learned  man  in  Ottawa  than  Sir  Gilman. 
lie  was  one  of  the  type  of  men  known  as  "nature's  noble- 
men," kind-hearted  and  charitable  to  an  unusual  degree. 
To  a  friend  he  was  as  true  as  the  needle  to  the  pole. 

As  a  Free  Mason  he  was  greatly  wrapped  up  in  Capitu- 
lar work,  having-  occupied  the  position  of  High  Priest  of 
Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37,  R.  A.  M.,  from  1875  to  1879, 
inclusive,  and  to  him,  from  whom  your  historian  received 
the  Royal  Arch  degree,  is  he  greatly  indebted  for  his  active 
participation  and  preferment  in  the  several  degrees,  grades 
and  orders  of  Free  Masonry.  Being  of  a  commanding  and 
pleasing  personality,  and  having  a  perfect  command  of 
language  and  a  marked  degree  of  dignity,  mingled  with  his 
impressive  manner  of  rendering  the  ritual,  which,  together 
with  the  personal  interest  he  took  in  your  historian's  pre- 
ferment, while  yet  a  young  man  on  the  farm,  produced  the 
inspiration  that  led  to  an  active  participation  in  the  study  of 
Free  Masonry  and  kindred  orders.  Sir  Charles  H.  Gilman 
was  buried  by  the  Knights  Templar  at  Mendota,  111.,  and  his 
funeral  was  largely  attended  by  the  fraternity  and  friends. 
Sir  Charles  H.  Gilman.  hail  and  farewell!  W.  L.  M. 

BXCERPTA:  Let  us  not  linger  around  the  days  of  ancient 
chivalry  for  character  or  commendation,  but  be  up  and  doing,  im- 
proving the  time,  not  wholly  forgetting  those  things  that  are  be- 
hind, but  pressing  forward  to  the  prize  of  our  high  calling — a 
prize  no  less  than  a  crown  of  immortality — and  which  will  be  given 
to  those  onlv  who  are  faithful  unto  death. 


188 1. 
At  the  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
January    17,    1881.  the  following  officers  were  elected    for 
the  ensuing  Templar  year  : 

Cairo   Darius  Trimble   Commander 

Robert  McKim  McArthur Generalissimo 


[82  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

Edward  I  tenry  Smith   Captain  General 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

John  Fisk  Xash   Senior  Warden 

Sir  Klias  Cushman  I  [atheway   Junior  Warden 

I  lenry  Clay  Xash   Treasurer 

Asa  Mann  Hoffman Recorder 

Past  Commanders:  James  RJhoads,  Thomas  J.  Wade, 
George  J.  Burgess,  John  F.  Xash,  Edward  H.  Smith  and 
Robert  M.  Me  Arthur. 

treated:  Lothrop  Perkins,  William  Lee  Roy  Milligan, 
George  Abram  Mills,  George  R.  Wilbur,  Webster  Wesley 
Arnold,   William  Henry  Gilman,   Paul  Teissedre. 

Demitted:     George  W.  Landes. 

Suspended:     Charles  M.  Catlin. 

Died:     John  J.  De  Motte  and  Patrick  Ryan. 

Ottawa  Commandery  was  inspected  by  E.  Sir  James 
G.  Elwood,  Grand  Captain  General  of  the  Grand  Com- 
mander}', on  the  evening  of  September  22.  1881.  He  re- 
ported the  attendance  small,  hut  that  it  was  a  pleasing  sight 
to  see  Past  Right  Eminent  Sir  Xash  at  his  post  as  Senior 
Warden  of  his  Commandery. 

Ottawa  Commandery  acted  as  escort  to  Most  Worship- 
ful Grand  Master,  William  H.  Scott,  Grand  Master  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  on  July  4,  188 1,  on  the  oc- 
casion of  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  for  the  La  Salle 
countv  court-house.  There  was  a  large  attendance  of 
Masons  and  Knights  Templar  on  this  occasion,  among 
others  was  the  celebrated  drill  corps  of  St.  Bernard  Com- 
mandery. under  command  of  that  eminent  drill-master  and 
prince  of  good  fellows,  Holmer  G.  Purinton.  Their  wonder- 
ful maneuvers  in  forming  Templar  emblems  excited  the 
wonder  and  admiration  of  the  assembled  multitude  of  people. 

James  A.  Garfield,  President  of  the  United  States,  and 
a    Knight   Templar,   was  mortally  wounded  by  a  cowardly 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  1S3 

assassin  on  the  2d  day  of  July,  1881,  and  bore  with  knightly 
fortitude  the  pains  of  death  until  September  19,  1881,  when 
he  closed  his  earthly  pilgrimage. 

Funeral  ceremonies  were  held  in  all  the  principal  cities 
in  the  United  States  at  the  hour  his  body  was  consigned  to 
Mother  Earth.  The  ceremonies  held  in  Ottawa  were  partic- 
ipated in  by  all  of  the  civil  societies,  and  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery  acted  as  escort  to  the  Masonic  bodies  participating 
therein. 

EXCERPTA:  The  Mason  who  receives  the  numerous  degrees 
merely  for  the  sake  of  being  known  as  a  high  Mason,  and  yet  has 
not  the  depth  or  force  of  character  to  comprehend  the  full  meaning 
of  all  their  various  parts,  or  the  ability  to  digest  them  and  make 
them  realities  in  his  life,  can  never  become  eminent  in  the  order 
or  do  honor  to  the  craft.  His  ideas  are  too  crude.  We  must 
rise  above  mere  signs  and  symbols  that  are  the  A,  B,  C's  of  our 
lesson,  and  study  and  grasp  the  teachings  of  our  institution  in  its 
wholeness,  if  we  would  fitly  perform  our  parts  in  the  great  rela- 
tion that  Masonry  holds  with  humanitv. 


1882. 
At  the  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
December  8,   1881,  the  following  officers  were  elected  and 
appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

Edward  H.  Smith Commander 

Robert  McKim  McArthur Generalissimo 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson Captain  General 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

Lothrop  Perkins    Senior  Warden 

Elias  C.  Hatheway Junior  Warden 

Henry  C.  Nash Treasurer 

Asa  Mann  Hoffman Recorder 

George  A.  Mills Sword  Bearer 

William  H.  Gilman Standard  Bearer 

William  L.  Milligan Warder 

David  R.  Gregg Captain  of  the  Guard 


[84  I'll  E   K  NIGHTS  TKM  PLAR, 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective 
stations  at  a  public  installation  held  in  the  asylum  January 
i  i ,  [882. 

Created:  John  \Y.  Qegg,  Thomas  E.  MacKinlay,  Wal- 
ter McDonald  Woodward.  James  Milligan,  Jr.,  Joseph  New- 
ton 1  hi  n  a  way. 

Demitted:     Charles  E.  Stephens  and  William  Thomas. 

EXCERPTA:  Knights  Templarism  is,  or  ought  to  be,  a  living, 
active,  principle;  its  everlasting  symbol,  the  Cross,  its  most  inspir- 
ing memory,  the  Crusades,  into  the  martial  spirit  of  which  knight- 
hood was  baptized  by  fire  and  sword  for  the  redemption  of  the 
Holv  Land. 


1883. 

At  the  animal  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
December  14.  [882,  the  following  officers  were  elected  and 
appointed  for  the  ensuing-  Templar  year: 

Edward  Henry  Smith Commander 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson Generalissimo 

James  Milligan,  Jr Captain  General 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

Lothrop  Perkins   Senior  Warden 

William  Lee  Roy  Milligan Junior  Warden 

Henry  Clay  Nash Treasurer 

Asa  Mann  Hoffman    Recorder 

William  Henry  Gilman Standard  Rearer 

George  Abram  Mills Sword  Bearer 

Thomas  E.  MacKinlay    Warder 

David  Kobbins  Gregg Captain  of  the  Guard 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective 
stations  by  R.  E.  Sir  John  Fisk  Nash  at  a  stated  conclave  of 
the  Commandery,  January  11,  [883. 

Created:  William  Stormont,  Charles  Egbert  Pettit. 
Jesse   Emerson    Morgan,     Richard    Farnsworth,     Celestine 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  185 

Rohrer,  John  Stewart  Ryburn,  John  J.  Murphy,  Louis 
Scheidecker,  Daniel  Fletcher  Hitt,  Louis  Rohrer,  Thomas 
Reedy. 

Affiliated:  Corydon  Cornelius  Halladay  and  Garvy 
1  )onaldson. 

Suspended:     John  L.  Morrison  and  Leverett  O.  Black. 

Ottawa  Commandery  was  not  inspected  during  the  Tem- 
plar year  1883. 

EXCERPTA;  Like  the  sun  in  the  natural  world  it  (the  letter 
G)  marks  the  place  whence  comes  the  light  which  ushers  in  Ma- 
sonic day,  and  while  it  lingers,  to  Masonry,  can  come  no  night.  The 
stars  may  be  blotted  out,  the  waters  may  fade  from  the  sea,  the 
blossom  of  the  tree  no  more  appear,  the  rock-ribbed. hills  to  the 
plain  return,  the  silver  cord  be  loosed  and  the^iiw«r5bwl  be 
broken,  but  what  is  taught  to  Templars  by  that  letter  G  shall,  as 
noontime  splendor,  shine  until  old  Time,  weary  with  the  weight  of 
many  centuries,  shall  lay  his  head  on  the  lap  of  earth  to  die.  And 
we  do  believe,  my  fraters,  that  if  the  paths  it  leads  us  to  are  trod, 
then  even  the  lowly  place,  the  obscure  life,  the  hidden  worth  of 
this  existence  shall  speak  of  us  as  of  him  they  spoke  when  at  the 
bar  the  question  came: 

"Who  speaks  for  this  man?"  from  the  great  white  throne, 
Vailed  in  its  roseate  clouds,  the  voice  came  forth; 

Before  it  stood  a   parted  soul  alone, 

And  rolling  east  and  west,  south  and  north, 

The  mighty  accents  summoned  quick  and  dead: 

"Who  speaks  for  this  man  ere  his  doom  be  said?" 

Shivering  he  listened,  for  his  earthly  life 

Had  passed  in  dull,  unnoted  calm  away, 
He  brought  no  glory  to  its  daily  strife, 

No  wreath  of  fame,  nor  genius'  fiery  ray; 
Weak,  alone,  ungifted,  quiet  and  obscure. 

Born  in  the  shadow — dying  'mid  the  poor. 

Hark!     from  the  solemn  concourse,  hushed  and  dim, 
The  widow's  prayer,  the  orphan's  blessing  rose; 

The  struggle  told  of  troubles  shared  by  him, 
The  lonely  of  cheered  hours  and  softened  woes; 

And  like  a  chorus  spoke  the  crushed  and  sad, 
He  gave  us  all  he  could  and  what  he  had. 

And  little  words  of  kindness  said, 

And  tender  thoughts  and  help  in  need 
Sprang  up  like  leaves  by  soft  spring  showers  fed 

In  some  waste  corner,  sown  by  chance-flung  seed; 
In  grateful  wonder  heard  the  modest  soul 

Such  trifles  gathered  to  so  blest  a  whole. 


[86 


Til  E   KNIGHTS  TKM  I'l.  \U, 


"()  ye  by   circumstances  strong  fetters  bound. 

The  store  so  little  and  the  hand  so  frail. 
Do  but   the  best   you  can  to  all  around; 

Let  sympathy  be  true  nor  courage  fail. 
And  raise  from  brethren  poor  and  weak. 

Some  witness  at  your  trial  hour  to  speak." 


[884. 

At  the  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
December  13.  [883,  the  following  officers  were  elected  and 
appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

Theodore  C.  Gibson Commander 

Robert  M.  McArthur Generalissimo 

Lothrop  Perkins Captain  General 

Walter  B.  Titus Prelate 

William  L.  Milligan Senior  Warden 

George  A.   .Mills    Junior  Warden 

I  tenry  C.  Nash Treasurer 

Asa  M.  Hoffman   Recorder 

John  W.  CI  egg Sword  Bearer 

Paul  Teissedre Standard  Bearer 

William  H.  Gilman    Warder 

Justus  Harris Captain  of  the  Guard 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective 
stations  by  R.  E.  Sir  John  Fisk  Xash  at  a  special  conclave 
December  20,  19 13. 

Created:  John  Fletcher  Gibson,  Abel  M.  White.  Wil- 
liam Evan  Prichard,  William  Henry  Stead.  Warren  C. 
Riale  and  Martin  C.  Hodgson. 

Pciiiittcd:  Silas  W.  Cheever.  George  Beattv,  Alvin 
E.  Tyler  and  Daniel  C.  Withrow. 

Died:     Lothrop  Perkins. 

Ottawa  Commandery  attended  Paster  service  at  the 
Congregational  church  April  [3,  [884,  twenty-eight  swords 
beingr  in  line. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  1 87 

Ottawa  Commandery  was  inspected  on  the  27th  day 
of  May,  1884,  by  Eminent  Sir  Edward  Starr  Mulliner. 
There  was  a  large  attendance  of  the  members  and  a  large 
delegation  from  Juliet  Commandery.  Xo.  4,  and  also  from 
Blaney,  No.  5,  as  well  as  from  other  Commanderies. 

The  inspecting  officer  was  pleased  to  make  the  follow- 
ing report  to  the  Grand  Commandery: 

"Responding  to  the  invitation  of  Ottawa  Commandery. 
No.  10,  stationed  at  Ottawa.  I  made  an  official  visit  to  that 
Commandery  on  the  27th  day  of  May,  and,  on  my  arrival 
in  that  beautiful  city,  -was  taken  prisoner  by  R.  E.  Sir  Nash 
and  E.  Sir  Gibson,  Eminent  Commander. 

"The  occasion  was  made  a  notable  one  by  the  presence 
of  the  Right  Eminent  Grand  Commander,  E.  Sir  Wilcox, 
and  staff,  and  several  members  of  Joliet  Commandery,  No. 
4,  and  E.  Sir  McDonald  and  other  Sir  Knights  of  St.  John's 
Commandery,  No.  26.  Ottawa  Commandery  displayed 
some  thirty-five  or  forty  swords  in  line. 

"The  Commandery  met  in  special  conclave  and  confer- 
red the  Order  of  the  Temple. 

"The  work  of  this  Commandery,  as  yon  will  bear  me 
out  in  saying,  is  fully  up  to  the  average.  Their  equipments 
and  paraphernalia  are  good,  and  drill  in  the  tactics  of  the 
asylum  fair. 

"Their  books  and  records  are  pleasing  specimens  of 
neatness  and  faithful  detail,  which  do  credit  to  the  excellent 
recorder,  while  their  financial  condition,  as  shown  by  their 
report,  is  sound,  the  Commandery  having  no  indebtedness 
whatever. 

"With  two  Chapters  in  its  jurisdiction,  the  membership 
of  which  aggregates  one  hundred  and  fifty-four,  and  com- 
posed of  the  best  citizens  of  the  county  in  which  it  is  located. 
it  would  seem  that  Ottawa  Commandery  must  continue  to 
enjoy  a  steady  growth. 


[88  I'll  E   KNIGHTS    IT.M  PLAR, 

"For  true  knightly  courtesy  and  unbounded  hospitality 
von  will  doubtless  join  with  me  in  according  the-  palm  to 
(  Mtawa.  No.   10. 

"The  work  of  the  asylum  and  ceremony  of  inspection 
were  supplemented  by  a  handsome  banquet  spread  at  the 
Clifton,  followed  by  numerous  speeches  by  host  and  guests, 
Ottawa  Commandery  demonstrating  the  ability  of  its 
members  as  talkers  as  well  as  workers,  especially  of  its 
younger  memhers,  whose  maturity  of  thought  and  elegance 
of  diction,  disclosed  in  impromptu  remarks,  were  a  con- 
tinuous source  of  pleasure  to  the  close." 

Joliet  Commandery,  No.  4,  on  this  occasion  acted  as 
escort  to  R.  E.  Sir  James  G.  Elwood,  Grand  Commander  of 
the  Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois,  whose  presence  was  a 
source  of  enjoyment  to  Ottawa  Commandery. 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery  Nov. 
27,  18S4,  the  memorial  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a 
memorial  to  the  memory  of  Sir  Lothrop  Perkins,  consist- 
ing of  Sirs  William  L.  Milligan,  E.  F.  Bull  and  Henry 
Mayo,  presented  their  report,  which  was  read  by  Sir  Wil- 
liam L.  Milligan. 

In  Memoriam. 

Whereas,  He  that  doeth  all  things  well  hath  removed 
from  our  midst  the  valiant  and  magnanimous  Sir  Knight. 
Lothrop  Perkins,  one  whom  in  life  was  loved  for  his  many 
knightly  virtues,  whose  death  we  sincerely  mourn,  and 
whose  memory  we  will  ever  fondly  cherish. 

Resolved,  That  we  are  called  upon  to  record  his  death 
with  feelings  of  deepest  regret  and  profound  sorrow.  That 
we  mourn  his  loss  as  a  worthy  and  trusted  citizen,  faithful 
in  the  discharge  of  all  his  duties,  public  and  private,  a 
friend  in  whose  integrity  we  had  the  utmost  confidence,  a 
valiant  and  magnanimous  Templar,  whose  well  earned  fame 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  189 

had  spread  both  far  and  wide  for  deeds  of  charity  and  pure 
benevolence,  and  whose  exalted  life,  and  Knightly  Christian 
virtures  are  well  worthy  our  institution;  that  the  highest 
tribute  of  respect  we  can  offer  to  his  memory  is  to  pledge 
ourselves  to  follow  in  his  footsteps  and  to  emulate  his  vir- 
tues. 

Resolved,  That  we  tender  to  his  afflicted  widow  and  fam- 
ily renewed  assurances  of  our  abiding  sympathy.  That 
this  tribute  to  his  memory  be  placed  upon  the  records  of  our 
Commandery  and  a  copy  thereof,  under  the  seal  of  the  same, 
be  presented  to  her  whose  loss  is  incomparably  greater  than 
our  own. 

EXCERPTA:  If  our  solemn  ceremonies  mean  anything — if 
they  are  not  all  a  sham,  a  mockery — if,  as  we  assert,  our  order  is 
founded  upon  the  Christian  religion,  the  religion  which  had  its 
birth  in  a  stable  at  Bethlehem,  when  the  angelic  anthem,  "Glory  to 
God  and  peace  to  man,"  first  burst  upon  the  ears  of  a  waiting  world 
— if  founded  also  upon  the  practice  of  the  Christian  virtues,  it  is 
evident  that  to  be  a  worthy  member  of  it,  a  man  should  be  a 
Christian  in  belief,  if  not  by  profession,  and  should  exemplify  in 
his  daily  life,  at  least,  some  of  the  Christian  virtues. 


I885. 
At  the  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
December  11,  1884,  the  following  officers  were  elected  and 
appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year : 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson    Commander 

William  Lee  Roy  Milligan   Generalissimo 

George  Abram  Mills   Captain  General 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

Thomas  E.  MacKinlay Senior  Warden 

William  Evan  Prichard Junior  Warden 

Henry  Clay   Nash    Treasurer 

Asa  Mann  Hoffman    Recorder 

William  Henrv  Gilman Standard  Bearer 


UJO  THE  KNIGHTS  TEM  I'LAR, 

John  William  Clegg Sword  Bearer 

Warren  C.  Riale Warder 

Paul  Teissedre Captain  of  the  Guard 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective 
stations  by  l\.  E.  Sir  John  Fisk  Nash  at  a  special  conclave 
December  18,   [884. 

Created:  Charles  Blanchard,  Foster  Ilcild  McKinney, 
John  Dawdle  Hammond,  Thomas  Coxey  Fullerton  and 
William  Henry  Watts. 

Demitted:     August  Haeherlin. 

Died:     Washington  Bushnell. 

Ottawa  Commandery  attended  Easter  service  at  the 
Episcopal  church  April  5,  1885,  twenty-two  swords  being  in 
line. 

Ottawa  Commandery  was  inspected  October  1,  1885,  by 
E.  Sir  Norman  T.  Cassette,  Grand  Senior  Warden  of  the 
Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois.  There  were  thirty-one  Sir 
Knights  of  Ottawa  Commandery  present. 

Prom  his  report  we  quote:  "It  caused  me  no  little  sur- 
prise to  note  such  correctness,  ritualistically  speaking",  as  I 
find  in  the  Commanderies  of  the  state,  when  the  frequency 
of  ritual  exemplification  is  considered,  in  comparison  with 
Commanderies  located  in  the  city  of  Chicago. 

"The  asylum  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.   10,  is  very 

g 1.  the  Sir  Knights  are  as  well  equipped  as  one  has  a 

right  to  expect,  and  the  records  are  apparently  correct  and  in 
due  form. 

"Eminent  Sir  T.  C.  Gibson,  Commander,  and  the  officers 
and  Sir  Knights  did  everything  they  could  to  render  the  in- 
spection satisfactory  and  complete,  and  Right  Eminent  Sii 
John  Fisk  Nash,  Past  Grand  Commander,  helped  me  in  the 
discharge  of  my  duties." 

Memorial  to  Washington  Bushnell. 

The  committee  on  obituaries,  consisting  of  Sirs  W.  L. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  I9I 

Milligan,  Robert  M.  McArthur  and  W.  B.  Titus,  reported  on 
the  death  of  Sir  Washington  Bushnell  as  follows.: 

Once  again  the  angel  of  death  has  crossed  the  lines 
of  our  dominions,  and,  at  his  command,  a  pilgrim  war- 
rior, valiant  and  magnanimous,  has  crossed  the  dark  river 
into  realms  from  whose  bourne  no  traveler  returns. 

At  his  home,  on  the  evening  of  the  thirtieth  day  of  June, 
A.  D.  1885,  A.  O.  767,  our  esteemed  and  beloved  frater.  Sir 
Washington  Bushnell,  yielded  up  his  armor,  and  passed 
beyond  the  veil  of  the  earthly  tabernacle  to  that  rest  pre- 
pared from  the  foundation  of  the  world. 

It  seems  difficult  to  realize  that  he  who  so  lately  was 
with  us  and  commanded  our  highest  regard  and  confidence 
now  sleeps  in  mother  earth,  never  again  to  greet  us  here,  nor 
to  exchange  with  us  the  grasp  of  friendship  and  fraternal 
love. 

For  the  loss  of  such  as  he  tears  are  not  unmanly.  Let 
them  fall  in  honor  of  one  whose  life  was  that  of  a  kind  and. 
affectionate  husband,  an  indulgent  father,  a  true  Knight,  a 
loving  companion,  and  an  honest,  upright  man  and  citizen. 

In  view,  therefore,  of  the  loss  which  we  have  sustained  in 
the  death  of  our  beloved  frater  we  do, 

Resolve,  That  it  is  with  feelings  of  deepest  regret  and 
profoundest  sorrow  that  we  place  upon  our  records  the  death 
of  our  beloved  frater. 

Resolved,  That  we  hereby  tender  to  his  afflicted  family 
renewed  assurances  of  our  abiding"  sympathy. 

EXCERPTA:  Reputation  is  oft  obtained  without  merit  and  lost 
without  deserving.  Tis  a  garment  that  can  be  easily  put  on  and 
off  at  pleasure;  'tis  easily  soiled,  easily  lost,  easily  regained.  But 
character  is  a  living  body,  with  lifeblood  pulsating  in  its  arteries  and 
flowing  through  its  veins.  Every  bruise  gives  pain  and  in  healing 
it  oftimes  leaves  an  ugly  scar  and  deformity,  and  ever  lost  it  can- 
not be  restored.  Reputation  is  the  football  of  the  rabble;  'tis 
public  property  to  be  disposed  of  at  the  pleasure  of  the  populace. 
Character  is  the  jewel  of  the  heart;    'tis  personal  wealth  that  has 


192  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR. 

been  earned,  hoarded  and  polished  by  personal  exertion;  'tis  a 
treasure  that  cannot  be  appropriated  by  any  other  person;  it  can 
only  be  wasted  and  squandered  by  the  prodigality  of  its  possessor. 


[886. 

At  the  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
December  10.  1885,  the  following  officers  were  elected  and 
appointed   for  the  ensuing"  Templar  year: 

William  Lee  Roy  Milligan    Commander 

George  Abram  Mills    Generalissimo 

Thomas  E.  MacKinlay   Captain  General 

William  Evan  Prichard    Prelate 

James  Milligan,  Jr Senior  Warden 

David  Batcheller   Junior  Warden 

Henry  Clay  Nash Treasurer 

Asa   Mann  Hoffman    Recorder 

William  Henry  Gilman    Standard  Bearer 

Richard   Farnsworth    Sword  Bearer 

I  'aul  Teissedre   Warder 

David  ( iregg" Captain  of  the  Guard 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective 
stations  by  Em.  Sir  Theodore  C.  Gibson  at  the  stated  con- 
clave December  24.  1885. 

Created:  Alexander  Hanna,  Daniel  Charles  Mills, 
Barnett  L.  Bonar,  John  Charles  Farnsworth,  Simeon  Guil- 
ford Gay,  John  Charles  Corcoran.  Harry  Earl  Rockwood, 
Charles  E.  Dunbar.  John  Michael  Purrucker,  John  C.  Ames. 
Willard  Stanley  Wheeler.  John  Calvin  Pirkey,  William 
Sloan  Cherry,  Milo  J.  Luther.  Oswin  Hallet  Bourne,  Oakley 
Griggs.  Matthew  William  Jack.  William  Hayes  Lukins, 
Frederick  W.  Gay,  Benjamin  F.  Sweet.  Henry  Schmidt. 
Milton  Eben  Blanchard,  Walter  Reeves,  Winfield  Scott 
llinkson,    foshua   P.   Rodgers,   John  Lewis  Summers,  Alex- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  193 

ander  Wylie,  Frank  Thomas  Neff,  John  Francis  Cleave, 
Joseph  Adams  Wilson,  Eugene  Moffit,  Israel  C.  Cope, 
James  Anderson,  Charles  Branson  Anderson,  Charles  How- 
ard Smith  and  Samuel  McFeely. 

Demitted:     Garvy  Donaldson. 

Died:     Robert  M.  McArthur,  Corydon  C.  Halladay. 

There  were  no  affiliations,  suspensions  or  expulsions 
during  the  year   1886. 

February  25,  1886,  the  Eminent  Commander  appointed 
Sirs  John  F.  Nash,  David  A.  Cook  and  Asa  M.  Hoffman 
a  committee  to  make  all  the  necessary  arrangements  for  the 
Commandery  to  attend  the  triennial  conclave  of  the  Grand 
Encampment,  to  be  held  in  St.  Louis,  beginning  September 

21,    1886. 

March  11,  1886,  a  coat  of  arms  was  adopted  by  the 
C<  mimandery. 

March  25th  the  triennial  committee  submitted  its  report 
as  having  perfected  arrangements  for  the  Commandery's 
attending  the  triennial  conclave  of  the  Grand  Encampment 
at  St.  Louis  September  21,  1886. 

April  25,  1886,  Ottawa  Commandery  attended  Easter 
service  at  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  Twenty-eight 
swords  in  line. 

July  1,  1886,  Ottawa  Commandery  was  inspected  by 
Em.  Sir  George  M.  Moulton,  Grand  Captain  General  of  the 
Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois. 

There  were  present  on  this  occasion  fifty-three  Sir 
Knights,  members  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  and  fifty  visit- 
ing Sir  Knights  from  St.  Bernard,  Englewood  and  other 
neighboring  Commanderies.  The  order  of  the  Red  Cross 
was  conferred  in  the  afternoon  on  a  class  of  13,  and  the 
order  of  the  Temple  on  two  postulants  in  the  evening. 
Two  banquets  were  served  by  the  ladies  of  the  Episcopal 
church,  one  at  six  p.  m.  and  one  at  midnight. 


PAST  EMINENT  COMMANDERS. 
William   L.   Milligan,  1886-7,  91-2  George  A.  Mills,  188S 

Waller  B.   Titus,   1889-90*  Henry  Mayo,  1893-4-5 

Albert  F.  Schoch,  1896-7-8-9  Joseph  N.  Dunaway,  1900-1* 

♦Deceased. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  1 95 

Of  this  inspection  we  quote  from  the  inspection  officer's 
report  to  the  Grand  Commandery:  "July  ist  I  enjoyed  the 
extreme  pleasure  of  visiting  Ottawa  Commander}',  No.  10, 
at  Ottawa.  It  was  my  good  fortune  to  be  accompanied  by 
eighteen  Sir  Knights  of  St.  Bernard,  No.  35,  under  the 
leadership  of  Sir  Knight  H.  G.  Purinton,  and  also  had  the 
pleasure  of  the  company  of  Eminent  Commander  Kirk  and 
staff  of  Englewood  Commandery,  U.  D.  About  a  dozen 
Sir  Knights  from  Blaney,  No.  5,  joined  the  party  at  Mor- 
ris, so  that  a  goodly  number  debarked  from  the  train  at 
Ottawa,  where  R.  Em.  Sir  Knight  Nash  was  in  waiting 
with  a  detachment  of  Sir  Knights  from  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, No.  10,  and  a  brass  band.  The  line  of  inarch  was 
taken  to  the  asylum,  where  we  were  received  with  honors  in 
the  council  of  Red  Cross  Knights  then  in  session.  During 
the  afternoon  thirteen  candidates  received  the  illustrious 
order  of  the  Red  Cross.  Banquet  was  then  served  by  the 
ladies  of  Christ  Episcopal  church,  of  Ottawa,  followed  by 
the  usual  Mow  of  eloquence.  In  the  evening  a  Commandery 
of  Knights  Templar  was  opened  and  the  order  conferred 
on  two  of  the  afternoon  class.  Another  banquet  in  the 
early  hours  of  the  morning  concluded  the  exercises  of  the 
day.  Em.  Sir  Knight  William  L.  Milligan  was  ably  assisted 
in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  by  R.  Em.  Sir  Knight  Nash 
and  by  the  official  staff  and  members  of  the  Commandery. 
The  work  was  well  done  and  strictly  in  conformity  to  the 
ritual.  The  financial  condition  of  the  Commandery  is 
good,  and,  altogether,  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  may 
well  be  considered  as  one  of  honor  and  credit  to  this  grand 
jurisdiction.  A  revival  of  interest  in  Templar  affairs  has 
lately  taken  place  there,  and  under  the  able  and  zealous  man- 
agement of  Em.  Sir  Milligan  Ottawa,  No.  10,  will  take  a 
front  rank  among  the  Commanderies  of  this  jurisdiction. 
Its  present  membership  is  1 1 1,  of  which  37  have  been  created 


h)o  I'll  E  KNIGHTS  TEW  PLAR, 

during  the  present  year,  an  unprecedented  amount  of  work 

to  be  performed  in  an  interior  Commandery,  and  which  out- 
strips all  previous  records  in  some  of  the  Chicago  Com- 
manderies." 

August  i -'th  the  Commandery  was  called  to  mourn  the 
loss  by  death  of  one  of  their  best  loved  Past  Commanders, 
Em.  Sir  Robert  McKim  McArthur.  His  funeral  services 
were  under  the  auspices  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  and  he 
was  placed  in  his  resting  place  in  Ottawa  Avenue  ceme- 
tery on  the  14th  of  August,  [886. 

Ottawa  Commander}-  attended  the  twenty-third  triennial 
conclave  of  the  Grand  Encampment  at  St.  Louis.  Mo..  Sep- 
tember 21,  [886.  '^Qfeiviy-hve  swords  were  displayed  in 
line  in  the  parade.  This  was  the  first  triennial  conclave  that 
(  )ttawa  Commandery  ever  attended  in  a  body.  Some  of  the 
members  who  accompanied  Ottawa  Commandery  on  this 
pilgrimage  are  shown  in  picture  herein  of  the  Commandery 
taken  in  front  of  the  opera  house  the  day  of  departure. 
Beginning  with  front  rank,  reading  from  left  to  right,  they 
are:  W.  L.  Milligan,  Em.  O.  ( i.  A.  Mills.  Gen.,  E.  II.  Smith. 
C.  G.,  W.  E.  Prichard,  Prelate.  II.  C.  Nash,  Treas.,  Asa 
Mann  Hoffman,  Rec,  T.  C.  Fullerton,  S.  W.,  J.  W.  Pur- 
rucker.  J.  P.  Rodgers,  J.  C.  Pirkey,  J.  X.  Dunaway,  Paul 
Teissedre,  Warder,  J.  II.  Widmer,  II.  E.  Rockwood,  W.  E. 
Bowman,  II.  Mayo.  F.  T.  Xeff.  S.  G.  Cay,  Rev.  A.  M. 
White,  Dr.  P..  P.  Bonar,  W.  C.  Hall,  Oakley  Griggs,  Rich- 
ard Farnsworth,  St.  P>.,  David  Batcheller,  J.  \V.,  Christian 
Suppes,  C.  Rohrer,  J.  C.  Farnsworth,  D.  C.  Mills.  P.  Roh- 
rer,  E.  Moffitt,  E.  I  lowland,  C.  IP  Anderson,  Col.  D.  F. 
lint.  C.  E.  Dunbar,  J.  W.  Clegg,  J.  C.  Corcoran,  Dr.  M.  E. 
Blanchard,  J.  D.  Hammond.  \V.  S.  Hinkson,  1).  Slagle,  I). 
A.  Cook,  W.  IP  Watts.  Besides  the  above  several,  including 
Walter  Reeves  and  J.  C.  Ames,  from  Streator  joined  the 
Commandery  at  Dwight. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  !<)7 

The  following  resolutions  of  respect  to  the  memory  of 
Em.  Sir  Robert  McKim  McArthur  were  read  and  ordered 
spread  upon  the  records  at  a  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa 
Commander)-,  December  23,  [886,  J.  F.  Nash,  Walter  B. 
Titus  and  T.  C.  Gibson,  committee. 

In  the  death  of  our  beloved  frater,  Em.  Sir  Robert  Mc- 
Kim McArthur,  we  are  again  reminded  that  man  is  born 
to  die;  that  rank  and  title  are  no  safeguards  against  the 
attack  of  the  relentless  archer;  that  the  most  honored  and 
most  beloved,  the  humble  and  the  exalted,  the  ignorant  and 
the  learned,  all  alike,  fall  beneath  his  unerring  shaft,  and  all 
alike  share  the  same  heritage,  a  resting  place  in  our  mother 
earth. 

Xo  eulogium  which  we  can  here  pronounce,  no  tribute 
which  we  can  here  bring  to  the  memory  of  our  beloved 
frater,  whose  friendship  it  was  our  privilege  so  long  and  so 
uninterruptedly  to  enjoy,  can  equal  what  should  jointly  he 
awarded  to  him  by  all  who  knew  him,  and  appreciated  his 
mam-  knightly  virtues,  and  of  those  who  are  cognizant  ol 
the  services  which  he  rendered  to  our  cherished  institution. 

His  monument  is  in  the  hearts  of  those  who  knew  him 
longest  and  best.  He  is  no  longer  of  this  earth.  His  work 
among  men  is  ended.  His  earthly  record  is  complete. 
Words  ef  eulogy  can  add  nothing  to  the  honor  due  his  name 
and  character,  which  should  stimulate  those  upon  whom 
responsibilities  in  the  present  and  may  in  the  future  rest  to 
higher  ideals  and  stricter  integrity. 

He  will  never  again  answer  to  the  roll-call  of  the  Sir 
Knights  of  Ottawa  Commandery.  He  has  returned  his 
sword  to  its  scabbard.  He  fought  a  good  tight  and  finished 
his  course.  The  places  that  once  knew  him  shall  know  him 
no  more  forever. 

In  view,  therefore,  of  the  loss  which  we  have  sustained 
in  the  death  of  our  beloved  frater,  be  it 


I98  T 1 1  E   K  NIGH  TS  TEMPLAR, 

Resolved,  That  a  page  of  our  records  be  set  apart  and 
suitably  inscribed  to  the  memory  of  our  departed  pilgrim. 

Resolved.  That  in  sympathy  with  the  orphan  daughters 
whom  he  has  left  behind,  we  mourn  with  them  for  the  lov- 
ing father,  counselor  and  friend.  We  find  consolation  in  the 
reflection  that  he  lived  to  do  great  good  to  those  around 
him.  and  left  behind  him  a  stainless  memory. 

EXCERPTA:  "Christianity  remains  pure  and  spotless,  though 
some  who  wear  its  garb  are  hypocrites,  and  Templarism  is  not  de- 
graded, because  impure  hands  hold  the  cress." 


1887. 

At  the  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
December  9,  1886,  the  following  officers  were  elected  and 
appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year  : 

William  L.  Milligan Commander 

George  A.  Mills Generalissimo 

Edward  H.  Smith   Captain  General 

William  E.  Prichard    Prelate 

David  Batcheller Senior  Warden 

Willard  S.  Wheeler .Junior  Warden 

Henrv  Clay  Nash   Treasurer 

Asa  Mann  Hoffman    Recorder 

William  H.  Gilman    Standard  Bearer 

John  C.  Farnsworth    Sword  Bearer 

Rani   Teissedre    Warder 

John  C.  Corcoran    First  Guard 

Charles  E.  Dunbar Second  Guard 

Thomas  C.   Fullerton    Third  Guard 

Anthony  D.  Simon Organist 

David  Robbins  Gregg Captain  of  the  Guard 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective 
stations  on  December  23,  [886.    R.  Em.  Sir  John  Disk  Nash 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  IQQ 

was  installing  officer,  assisted  by  Sir  Thomas  C.  Eullerton 
as  marshal. 

Created:  Nile  Wynkoop  Heermans,  Austin  Valentine 
Mitchell,  Oscar  Benton  Ryan,  John  Nixon  Shinn,  George 
Morrison  Rig-den,  John  Marshall  Davidson,  Edward  Clark 
Modes,  Daniel  Edward  Daly,  Edwin  T.  Reed,  Luman  Se- 
ward Sampson,  John  Arnold  ECoeppen  and  John  Philip 
Scheying. 

Affiliated:     Timothy  Ellis  Gapen. 

Demitted:     Elias  C.  Hatheway  and  James  E.  Rathbun. 

Pied:     John  Francis  Cleave,  Asa  Mann  Hoffman. 

Asa  Mann  Hoffman  was  Recorder  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery  at  the  time  of  his  death  and  also  Treasurer  of  La 
Salle  count}'. 

Ottawa  Commandery  attended  Easter  service  at  the 
Episcopal  church  April  10,  1887.  Rev.  N.  W.  Heermans, 
rector,  delivered  a  very  appropriate  sermon,  which  was 
greatly  appreciated  by  the  members  of  the  Commandery. 

Ottawa  Commandery  was  inspected  June  3,  1887,  by 
R.  Em.  Sir  George  M.  Moulton,  Grand  Captain  General 
of  the  Grand  Commandery,  on  which  occasion  the  Order  of 
the  Temple  was  conferred  on  two  candidates. 

There  were  present  on  this  occasion  fifty-two  Sir 
Knights  of  Ottawa  Commandery  and  twelve  visiting  fraters. 

At  the  annual  conclave  the  Eminent  Commander  stated 
that  forty-nine  had  been  added  to  the  membership  of  the 
Commandery  during  the  years  1886  and  1887,  and  there 
was  more  money  in  the  treasury  than  at  any  time  during 
the  history  of  the  Commandery. 

Memoria  in  a  Terna. 
I   heard  a  voice  you  cannot  hear. 
Which  says,  I  must  not  stay. 
I  see  a  hand  you  cannot  see, 
Which  beckons  me  away. 

This  page  is  dedicated  to  our  beloved   frater  Sir  Asa. 


2(  H  >  Til  E   KNIGHTS  TI'.M  I'l.AR, 

Manx  I  Iofkm an,  Recorder  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No. 
[O,  l\.  T.  lie  was  born  in  Peru,  111..  October  7,  [838,  and 
died  at  Ackley,  Iowa,  at  1  1  130  o'clock  a.  m.,  Wednesday, 
May  4,  [887.  I  lc  was  raised  to  the  sublime  degree  of  Mas- 
ter Mason  in  Occidental  Lodge,  No.  40.  A.  F.  &  A.  M., 
December  24,  1S77.  Exalted  to  the  august  degree  of  Royal 
Arch  in  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37.  R.  A.  M.,  May  15, 
1S78.  Was  charter  member  of  Oriental  Council,  No.  63,  R. 
&  S.  M.  Created  and  dubbed  a  Knight  of  the  valiant  and 
magnanimous  order  of  Knights  Templar  in  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, No.  10,  K.  T..  December  4,  1878.  Constituted  a 
S.  P.  R.  S.  320,  A.  A.  S.  R.,  Valley  of  Chicago,  October 
10.  1884.  As  a  citizen,  neighbor,  friend,  man.  Mason. 
knight,  husband  and  father,  he  was  always  truly  consistent 
and  loving. 

Theodore  C.  Gibson,  Foster  H.  McKenny  and  Thomas 
E,  MacKinlay  presented  resolutions  of  respect  to  the  mem- 
ory of  Em.  Sir  Corydon  Cornelius  Halladay,  which  were 
adopted  by  Ottawa  Commandery  May  12.  1887: 

Whereas,  Tt  has  pleased  our  Heavenly  Father  to  sum- 
mon another  of  our  members  from  our  asylum  to  that 
grand  asylum  above,  which  knows  no  closing,  and  where 
each  shall  stand  alone  to  answer  the  necessary  questions 
for  himself  with  no  attending  escort  to  answer  for  him. 
and  where  the  results  of  our  life  work  shall  be  opened  to  the 
light  of  eternal  justice  tempered  with  mercy  and  truth,  it 
well  becomes  each  of  us  who  remain  to  see  to  it  that  our  life 
work  in  the  future  and  the  influence  of  our  example  shall 
be  such  that  when  we  shall  be  called  hence  our  life  work- 
shall  have  been  well  done,  and  be  permitted  to  hear  the 
welcome,  "Let  him  enter."  It  was  with  sincere  sorrow  that 
we  learned  that  on  the  morning  of  October  10.  [886, 
our  highly  esteemed  frater,  Em.  Sir  Corydon  C.  Halladav, 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  201 

after  a  long  and  protracted  and  very  painful  illness  of  many 
months'  duration,  had  passed  quietly  away  from  our  midst 
to  enter  upon  the  untried  realities  of  that  other  life  beyond. 
We  miss  his  cheerful  countenance  and  hearty  grasp  of  the 
hand  as  well  as  his  kindly  words  of  counsel  and  advice  and 
genial  friendship.  In  the  every  day  walks  of  life  his  in- 
tegrity was  unquestioned,  and  those  with  whom  he  came 
in  contact  in  a  business  way  knew  him  only  to  respect  him 
in  the  highest  degree,  and  his  ever  ready  assistance  and 
cheerful  manner  in  filling  any  of  the  positions  of  our  order 
won  for  him  our  warmest  friendship  and  esteem.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  in  his  departure  we  have  lost  one  highly 
esteemed  as  a  friend  and  a  brother,  and  the  family  a  kind 
husband  and  an  indulgent  father,  and  we  hereby  extend  to 
them  our  sincere  and  heartfelt  sympathy  in  this  hour  of 
their  deep  affliction. 

Resolved,  As  a  token  of  our  respect  to  his  memory,  these 
resolutions  be  spread  upon  the  records  of  the  Commanderv, 
also  that  a  copy  of  the  above  be  presented  to  the  family  of 
Em.  Sir  G  C.  Halladay. 

The  committee,  consisting  of  Daniel  C.  Mills,  Eugene 
Moffitt  and  T.  C.  Gibson,  presented  resolutions  of  respect 
to  the  memory  of  John  Francis  Cleave,  which  were  adopted 
by  Ottawa  Commanderv  May  6,  1887,  and  spread  upon  the 
records. 

The  white  winged  messenger  from  our  Supreme  Grand 
Commander  has  called  for  another  human  life,  and  our  late 
frater.  Sir  John  Francis  Cleave,  has  answered  the  com- 
mand. Young,  but  a  brief  time  married,  and  only  a  short 
time  our  frater.  he  has  laid  aside  his  earthly  tenements, 
and.  Pilgrim  no  longer,  has  been  clothed  with  celestial 
robes,  although  his  fraters  of  Ottawa  Commanderv.  No.  10, 
sorrow  deeply  at  his  loss. 


2<  >_'  I'll  E   KNIGHTS  TEM  I'l.AK. 

Wherefore  mourn?  We  commend  his  widow  and  or- 
phan to  the  love  of  Him  who  has  promised  to  care  for  the 
widow  and  the  fatherless,  and  we  share  with  them  the  sor- 
row which  time  alone  can  soften.  Ever  faithful  to  his  vows, 
he  was  prepared  to  obey  the  last  command.  We  honor  his 
memory  and  invoke  blessings  upon  all  whom  he  loved. 
Therefore,  he  it, 

Resolved,  That  the  foregoing  he  transcribed  upon  our 
records  and  a  copy  thereof  he  sent  to  his  widow  and  or- 
phaned family. 

EXCERPTA:  In  this  age  of  our  order  we  seek  the  cultivation 
of  the  arts  of  peace,  the  education  of  all  in  the  useful  things  that 
God  has  given  for  our,  study,  and  especially  to  maintain  with 
unswerving  integrity  the  holy  tenets  of  Him  who  was  and  is  the 
Savior  of  the  world. 


Ic 

At  the  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
December  8,  1887,  the  following  officers  were  elected  and 
appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

George  Abram  Mills Commander 

James  Milligan,  Jr Generalissimo 

Paul  Teissedre   Captain  General 

William  E.  Prichard Prelate 

Timothy  E.  Gapen   Senior  Warden 

Charles  E,  Dunbar   Junior  Warden 

Thomas  E.  MacKinlay    Treasurer 

William  L.  Milligan    Recorder 

William  H.  Gilman    Standard  Bearer 

Joseph  A.  Wilson   Sword  Bearer 

John  P.  Scheying Warder 

Alexander  Hanna    Sentinel 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective 
stations  on  December  22,  1887.     Em.  Sir  William  L.  Milli- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  203 

gan  was  installing  officer,  and  was  assisted  by  Sir  David 
Batcheller  as  marshal. 

Created':  Austin  J.  Bell,  Charles  H.  Steen,  William  L. 
Smith,  Augustin  Howard  Jennings,  Albert  Atwood  Colley, 
Henry  Sansom,  Ruffin  Drew  Fletcher,  James  Stewart,  John 
Rosene,  James  E.  Cooke,  Thomas  Corwin  Tridell,  Clarence 
Griggs,  John  William  Teetzel,  William  Kellogg  Stewart 
and  William  J.  Byrth. 

Affiliated:     Leman  A.  Rising. 

Died :  John  Lewis  Summers,  Justus  Harris  and  Elipha- 
let  Follett  Bull. 

On  March  22,  1888,  Past  Commanders  John  F.  Nash 
and  James  Rhoads  were  each  elected  life  members  of  Ot- 
tawa Commandery  and  William  L.  Gibson  an  honorary 
member. 

Ottawa  Commandery  attended  Easter  seryice  at  Christ 
Episcopal  church.  There  was  a  large  attendance  of  the 
fraters,  which  was  duly  appreciated  by  the  yestry  and  the 
church,  as  manifested  by  their  recognition  in  a  pleasant 
worded  set  of  resolutions  to  the  Commandery  receiyed 
April  26,  1888. 

On  authority  of  Ottawa  Commandery  Past  Commander 
William  L.  Milligan,  Recorder  of  Ottawa  Commandery, 
prepared  and  presented  the  Commandery  a  history  of  the 
Commandery  from  organization  to  1888,  and  was  awarded 
the  thanks  of  the  Commandery  for  the  efficient  manner  in 
which  same  was  compiled. 

On  June  1st  R.  Em.  Sir  John  F.  Nash,  on  behalf  of  the 
Commandery,  presented  R.  Em.  Sir  William  L.  Milligan  a 
beautiful  Past  Commander's  jewel,  the  first  presentation  o\ 
a  jewel  to  a  Past  Commander  of  this  Commandery. 

The  Commander)-  was  not  inspected  during  the  year  1888. 

EXCERPTA:  In  this  day  of  bold  and  aggressive  infidelity 
let   us    not    forget   that    we    are    soldiers    of   the    Cross,    vowed    to 


204  I'M  E   K  NIGHTS  TKM  PLAR, 

stand  forth  in  defense  of  the  Christian  religion,  and  to  uphold  its 
glorious  banner.  When  Napoleon,  with  his  warriors,  stood  before 
the  pyramids  of  Egypt,  he  said:  "Soldiers  of  France,  forty  cen- 
turies look  down  upon  you  from  yonder  pyramids."  Soldiers  of 
the  Cross,  more  than  nineteen  hundred  years  look  down  upon 
you  from  Calvary's  bloody  brow.  You  cannot  grasp  the  cross- 
hilts  of  your  swords  without  being  reminded  of  the  awful  scene 
there  enacted.  Be  loyal,  brave  and  true,  and  forget  not  the  ad- 
monition of  the  great  Captain  of  our  Salvation,  "Be  thou  faith- 
ful  unto   death,  and  I   will  give  thee  a    crown   of  life." 


1889. 
At  the  annual   conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
December  13,  1888,  the  following  officers  were  elected  and 
appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  vear : 

Walter  Briggs  Titus    Commander 

Thomas  Coxy  Fullerton    Generalissimo 

Edward  H.  Smith    Captain  General 

William  E.    Prichard    Prelate 

Paul  Teissedre Senior  Warden 

James  E.  Cooke Junior  Warden 

Thomas  E.   MacKinlay    Treasurer 

David  Batcheller    Recorder 

Theodore  C.  Gibson   Standard  Bearer 

Albert  A.  Colley   Sword  Bearer 

John  P.  Scheying Warder 

Alexander  Hanna Captain  of  the  Guard 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective 
stations  on  December  _>  1 ,  1888,  R.  Em.  Sir  John  F.  Nash 
being  the  installing  officer,  assisted  by  Em.  Sir  George  A. 
Mills  as  Marshal. 

Created:  William  James  Williams,  Ezra  Hunt  Bailey, 
James  Sexton,  William  Batie  Jones.  Thomas  H.  Spencer, 
Charles  Christian  Modes,  Benjamin  Franklin  Colehour. 
William  Wilson.  Henry  Waldecker.  Charles  E.  Fisher,  Wil- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  205 

Ham  Ellis  St.  Clair,  Robert  Watson  Law,  Samuel  Hood, 
Abram  Cross  Godfrey,  David  Edward  Gardner,  William 
Henry  Knowles,  Gustav  Knenssl,  James  Gentleman  and 
William  Hitt  Penballagan. 

Affiliated:     F.  Wr.  Case  and  Newton   Poston. 

Deinitted:  Daniel  Fletcher  Hitt,  Jesse  Emerson 
Morgan,  Abram  M.  White,  N.  W.  Heermans  and  Alex- 
ander Wylie. 

Suspended  (N.  P.  D. )  :  Webster  Wesley  Arnold, 
Charles  M.  Carpenter,  John  J.  Murphy  and  Henry  Clay 
Nash. 

Died:     Thomas  Reedy. 

January  10,  1889,  in  recognition  of  his  efficient  serv- 
ices as  Eminent  Commander  of  Ottawa  Commandery  dur- 
ing the  year  1888,  Sir  Generalissimo  Thomas  C.  F'ullerton, 
on  behalf  of  the  Commandery,  presented  Past  Em.  C. 
George  A.  Mills  a  beautiful  Commander's  sword. 

May  17,  1889,  the  Commandery  was  inspected  by  Em. 
Sir  Joseph  E.  Dyas,  Grand  Generalissimo  of  the  Grand 
Commandery.  Of  this  inspection  Em.  Sir  Dyas  reported 
to  the  Grand  Commander  as  follows: 

"May  17th  I  visited  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10. 
The  Order  of  the  Temple  was  conferred.  Fifty-five  Sir 
Knights  were  present,  after  which  the  asylum  tactics  were 
performed  and  the  Commandery  was  closed  in  form.  The 
officers  of  this  Commandery  are  thoroughly  proficient  in 
the  ritual  and  drill,  and  all  the  minor  details  were  strictly 
adhered  to.  The  asylum  was  handsomely  decorated  for  the 
occasion.  After  the  conclave  closed  carriages  con- 
veyed us  to  the  residence  of  R.  Em.  Sir  John  F.  Nash, 
where  about  twenty  guests  sat  down  to  a  repast.  Ibis 
enjoyable  meeting  was  presided  over  by  our  estimable  host. 
Short  speeches  were  made  and  social  conversation  indulged 
in  until  long-  after  midnight. 


206  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

April  _' i  si  the  Commandery  attended  Easter  services  at 
the  Methodist  church,  fifty-nine  swords  being  in  line. 

VV.  L.  Milligan.  David  Batcheller  and  Daniel  E.  Daly, 
committee  on  obituaries,  presented  the  following',  which 
was  adopted  September   [3,    [888: 

1  x  Memoriam — John  Lewis  Summers. 

He  heard  an  inward  call — 

Leave  home,  leave  country,  all 

That  loved  you  and  are  loved — 

Leave  wealth  and  fame, 

And  with  this  ruddy  cross, 

To  go  and  battle  in  your  Majesty's  name! 

There  where   I   walked   in   early  days   with   men, 

Go,  I  will  meet  you  striving  there  again! 

It  is  with  the  most  profound  grief  that  we  record  the 
death  of  Sir  John  L.  Summers,  who  departed  this  life  at 
his  home,  in  Allen  township.  La  Salle  county,  Illinois,  July 
14,  1888.  As  a  man,  and  a  citizen,  he  ranked  with  the 
highest;  as  a  friend  he  was  true  as  the  needle  to  the  pole; 
as  a  husband,  and  father,  he  was  loving  and  indulgent,  and 
his  presence  brightened  the  home  circle,  and  domestic  hap- 
piness reigned  where'er  he  moved. 

He  adored  his  wife,  idolized  his  children  and  loved  bis 
home.  The  true  type  of  a  gentleman,  he  was  courteous  and 
affable  to  all. 

But  be  is  gone!  The  places  that  once  knew  him  shall 
know  him  no  more  forever.  His  stately  form  will  no 
longer  be  seen  at  our  gatherings.  The  determined  will  and 
brave  resolutions  which  nerved  our  departed  frater  in  his 
herculean  labors  while  living  have  alike  succumbed  to  the 
all  powerful  King  of  Terrors.  His  work  on  earth  is  fin- 
ished, his  record  complete.  His  "term  of  penance"  has  in- 
deed ended,  and  he  now  sits  on  the  right  hand  of  the  blesl 
Emmanuel  enjoying  ineffable  and  eternal  happiness. 
"Fraters,  be  strong  for  life's  demand, 
Boldly  endure  and  bravely  stand; 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  207 

Prom  his  bright  life  example  take — 
From  his  blest  grave  let  hope  awake." 

Remembering  our  duty  to  weep  with  those  who  weep, 

we  tender  otir  cordial  sympathy  to  his  afflicted  family  in  the 

great  sorrow  which  has  befallen  them,  and,  while  we  mingle 

our  tears  with  those  of  the  broken  circle  in  which  he  was 

best   known,   and  most  loved,   we  pray  that   He   who  hath 

smitten  may  also  sustain  and  comfort  them,  turning  their 

present  grief  into  everlasting  joy. 

T.  C.  Gibson  and  Paul  Teissedre,  committee  on  memorial 
to  Asa  Mann  Hoffman,  presented  the  following,  which  was 
adopted  November  22,  1888: 

In  Memoriam. 

Ottawa  Commandery  has  again  been  summoned  to  the 
portals  of  the  tomb.  Our  beloved  f rater.  Sir  Knight  Asa 
Mann  Hoffman,  contended  valiantly  with  the  grim  mes- 
senger and  fearlessly  yielded  to  the  silent  angel,  where  con- 
tention no  longer  awaited,  and  sleeps  with  his  fraters  gone 
before.  We  who  tarry  yet  awhile  mourn  his  loss,  but  we 
do  not  sorrow  as  they  who  are  separated  from  friends,  but 
as  they  who  believe  that  we  shall  all  soon  mingle  with  the 
Heavenly  Host. 

Resolved,  That  these,  our  heartfelt  words,  he  inscribed 
upon  our  records  and  copies  sent  to  the  relatives  of  the  de- 
parted. 

W.  E.  Prichard,  1).  A.  Cook  and  Thos.  C.  Fullerton, 
committee  on  memorial  to  Justus  Harris,  presented  the  fol- 
lowing, which  was  adopted  December  27,  1888: 

Whereas,  The  Sir  Knights  of  Ottawa  Commandery.  No. 
io,  received  in  deep  sensibility  the  intelligence  of  the  death 
of  our  late  frater,  Justus  Harris;  and. 

Whereas,  His  life  radiated  the  luster  of  a  noble  man- 
hood, made  conspicuous  by  a  patient  endurance  under  long 


208  I'll  E   KNIGHTS  TEM  PLAR, 

continued  physical  affliction  in  the  vigor  and  hopefulness  ol 
early  life,  which  wasted,  not  only  opportunities  for  distin- 
guished advancement  in  his  career,  but  frittered  away  the 
reserve  accumulations  required  in  old  age  and  retirement, 
and  f<  ir  the  supp<  »rt  of  the  widow  and  i  irphans  ;  and. 

Whereas,  By  his  deatli  we  lose  one  of  our  most  faithful 
members,  his  family  a  devoted  husband,  kind  and  indulgent 
father,  and  the  community  a  good  citizen;  therefore,  be  it, 

Resolved,  That  we  deeply  deplore  the  loss  of  one  who 
so  well  exemplified  in  his  own  life  the  virtues  of  patience 
and  fidelity  to  every  trust  of  humanity,  and  whose  memory 
we  shall  ever  hold  in  grateful  affection. 

Resolved,  That  as  a  testimonial  of  our  respect  for  the 
memory  of  the  deceased  we  cause  these  resolutions  to  be 
engrossed  and  sent  to  the  family  of  our  late  frater. 

John  F.  Nash,  Walter  B.  Titus  and  Thomas  E.  Mac- 
Kinlay,  committee,  presented  the  following  tribue  to  Elipha- 
let  F.  Bull,  which  was  adopted  December  2j,  1888: 

Sir  Eliphalet  Follett  Bull. 
By  the  lessons  taught  through  the  symbols  of  our  order 

our  minds  become  so  familiar  with  the  emblems  of  mor- 
tality that  we  are  apt  to  lose  sight  of  its  stern  reality,  hut 
when  the  messenger  of  death  sounds  an  alarm  at  the  door 
of  our  asylum  and  summons  hence  one  of  our  number  we 
are  startled  with  the  realities  of  life  and  the  fleetness  of 
time. 

Tims  have  we  again  been  reminded  in  the  death  of  our 
frater.  Sir  Knight  E.  Follett  Bull,  that  a  bright  and  burning 
taper  of  life  has  been  extinguished  in  our  Gommandery,  and 
our  asylum  shrouded  in  gloom. 

While  thus  called  to  mourn  the  loss  of  a  cherished  com- 
panion in  arms,  whose  footfalls  will  never  more  he  heard  in 
our  council   halls,   and   whose   voice   will   newer   more  thrill 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  200, 

our  hearts  with  the  eloquence  of  truth,  yet^  we  will  ever 
cherish  his  memory  as  a  true  and  courteous  Knight  who 
has  fallen  in  life's  full  struggle  full  knightly  with  his  armor 
on  prepared  for  knightly  deeds  in  the  Grand  Asylum  heyond 
the  dark  river.     Therefore,  he  it 

Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  Sir  Knight  E.  Follett 
Bull  our  order  has  lost  one  of  its  brightest  jewels,  society 
an  active,  honorable,  high-minded  citizen,  and  his  family  a 
devoted  husband  and  father. 

Resolved,  That  we  will  cherish  his  memory,  imitate  his 
virtues,  and  ever  bear  testimony  .to  his  integrity  as  a  just 
and  upright  man. 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be  spread  on  the  records 
of  the  Commandery  and  a  certified  copy  transmitted  to  the 
family  of  the  deceased. 

EXCERPTA:  Yours,  Sir  Knights  is  not  an  order  of  selfish 
seclusion.  Wherever  a  human  cry  for  help  is  heard  there  is  your 
field  of  labor. 


1890. 
At  the  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
December  12,  1889,  the  following  officers  were  elected  and 
appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year  : 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Commander 

Thomas  Coxy  Fullerton   Generalissimo 

Edward  H.  Smith Captain  General 

James  E.  Cooke Prelate 

Paul  Teissedre Senior  Warden 

John  C.  Corcoran Junior  Warden 

Thomas  E.  MacKinlay Treasurer 

1  )avid  Batcheller Recorder 

Daniel  C.  Mills   Standard  Bearer 

Albert  A.  Colley Sword  Bearer 


210 


'I'll  E   K  NIGHTS    Tl-'.M  l'l.AK, 


73 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  21  I 

Theodore  C.  Gibson Warder 

Alexander  Hanna Captain  of  the  Guard 

Created:  George  A.  Forbes,  William  Henry  Boys,  John 
\Y.  Fornof,  John  James  Withrow,  John  Frank  Toland  and 
Hans  Gulbranson. 

Affiliated:     William  Herbert  Higby. 

Reinstated :     Charles  Carpenter. 

Demitted:  Charles  Carpenter  and  Willard  Stanley 
Wheeler. 

Arthur  Lockwood  and  William  E.  Bowman  were  made 
life  members  on  January  27,  1890,  and  September  25,  1890, 
respectively. 

April  6,  1890,  Ottawa  Commandery  attended  Easter 
service  at  the  Congregational  Church,  with  forty-seven 
swords  in  line.     Rev.  Warren  F.  Day,  pastor. 

April  io,  1890,  Ottawa  Commandery  was  inspected  by 
Km.  Sir  Sylvester  O.  Spring,  Grand  Generalissimo  of  the 
Grand  Commanderv.  There  were  thirty-nine  fraters  pres- 
ent. The  Order  of  the  Temple  was  conferred.  Of  this  in- 
spection we  quote  from  the  inspection  officer's  report: 

"Em.  Sir  W.  B.  Titus,  Commander  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, Xo.  10,  kindly  invited  me  to  visit  them  at  their 
stated  conclave,  occurring  April  10th,  which  1  was  pleased 
to  do.  I  found  Xo.  10  to  be  a  very  prosperous  Command- 
erv. The  regular  business  having  been  disposed  of,  the 
Order  of  the  Temple  was  conferred  upon  one  candidate  in 
exceptionally  good  style.  The  officers  are  well  posted  in 
their  various  duties,  and  it  is  above  the  average  of  Com- 
manderies  in  both   work  and  attendance. 

"They  have  a  large  and  commodious  asylum,  comfort- 
ably furnished,  and  about  two  th<  usand  dollars  in  the  treas- 
ury.     Membership  at  last  report  was  140." 

EXCERPTA:  The  field  in  which  we  labor  is  ample,  and  no 
lack    ofl    opportunities    for    every    valiant    knight    in    our    rank:;    to 


2  I  2  III  E   KNIGHTS  TKM  PLAR, 

exemplify  and  impress  our  tenets  in  our  respective  communities, 
and,  if  faithful,  the  aggregate  of  good  through  our  instrumentality 
cannot  but  rebound  to  the  good  of  Templarism  and  the  glory  of  the 
Great   Captain  of  our  salvation. 


1891. 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
December  i  1,  1890,  the  following  officers  were  elected  and 
appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

William  Lee  Roy  Milligan Commander 

Royal  D.  McDonald Generalissimo 

Paul  Teissedre   Captain  General 

James  E.  Cooke Prelate 

John  F.  Toland Senior  Warden 

James  Gentleman Junior  Warden 

Thomas  E.  MacKinlay Treasurer 

David  Batcheller    Recorder 

Henry  Waklecker   Standard  Bearer 

Albert  A.  Colley   Sword  Bearer 

John  W.  Clegg Warder 

Alexander  llanna Captain  of  the  Guard 

Created:  Duncan  McDougall,  Davidson  E.  Huggins, 
Charles  Hubbard  Rathbun,  Samuel  C.  Smith,  Robert  Court- 
ney Meyer,  Lewis  Lyall  Graves,  Charles  Schaulin,  Lyston 
Drewett  Howe,  Ludwig  Otto  Lorenz,  John  Maxwell  Stew- 
art, Joseph  Kopf  and  Jacob  Benner  Shuler. 

Affiliated:  Albert  Henry  Hatton,  James  Marshall  Tre- 
nary  and  Andrew  II.  Angell. 

There  were  no  deaths  and  no  demissions  from  Ottawa 
Commandery  during  the  year.  As  soon  as  the  officers  were 
installed  preparations  were  began  toward  the  Commandery 
attending  the  triennial  conclave  of  the  Grand  Encampment, 
to  be  held  in  September,  [892,  in  Denver,  Colorado,  com- 
mittees  were  appointed  and   arrangements  were  concluded 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  213 

before  the  close  of  the  year  for  a  special  train  of  Pullman 
cars,  including  dining"  car,  day  coach  and  commissary  car. 

In  conjunction  with  Occidental  Lodge  and  Shabbona 
Chapter  the  Commandery  leased  the  King  &  Hamilton 
building,  second  and  third  floors,  for  Masonic  purposes. 

March  29,  1891,  Ottawa  Commandery  attended  Easter 
services  at  the  Baptist  church,  sixty  swords  being  in  line. 
Rev.   Dr.   Gilbert  Frederick,   pastor. 

May  14,  1 89 1,  Ottawa  Commander}-  was  inspected  by 
R.  Em.  Sir  John  Fisk  Nash,  proxy  for  R.  Em.  Sir  Edward 
C.  Pace,  inspection  officer,  forty-five  swords  being  in  line. 

EXCERPTA:  This  is  the  age  of  the  noblest  type  of  the  true 
gentleman,  as  well  as  the  most  beautiful  type  of  gentle  women, 
our  wards.  The  American  gentleman  is  the  noblest  type  of  true 
chivalry  the  world  has  ever  known;  here  a  type  of  gentlemen  in 
which  are  richly  blended  a  sense  of  personal  honor,  generosity, 
courtesy,  Christian  tenderness  and  helpfulness.  Let  us  not  forget, 
however,  that  we  owe  these  ennobling  virtues  to  the  same  influence 
that  shaped  the  chivalry  of  the  days  of  Bayard  and  Sir  Sidney.  In 
no  other  age  of  the  world  has  there  been  so  wide,  so  varied,  a 
field  for  the  exercise  of  these  virtues  as  in  this  present  age.  The 
ideal  of  chivalry  has  always  been  lofty,  pure  and  generous.  Valor, 
loyalty,  courtesy  and  generosity  have  always  been  the  characteris- 
tics of  the  true  knight.  What  scope  to-day  for  the  exercise  of  these 
virtues. 


1892. 
At   the   stated  conclave  of  Ottawa   Commandery.   held 
December  10,  1891,  the  following  officers  were  elected  and 
appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year : 

William  Lee  Roy  Milligan Commander 

Henry  Mayo Generalissimo 

David  P>atcheller    Captain  General 

Walter  Briggs  Titus    Prelate 

Thomas  E.  MacKinlay    Treasurer 

Albert  Atwood  Colley Recorder 

Paul  Teissedre    Senior  Warden 


214  I'll  E    K  NIGHTS  TKM  I'l.AK, 

( reorge  Abram  Mills junior  Warden 

I  tenry  Waldecker Standard  Bearer 

James  Marshall  Trenary Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.  Rodgers Warder 

Alexander  I  I  anna   Captain  of  the  (  kiard 

Created:  Clark  Brading  Provins,  Albert  Thomas  Olm- 
sted, James  Albert  Curry,  Lisle  R.  Colley,  Louis  Hanson 
.Miller,  Sylvester  Blanchard,  Guy  C.  Carpenter,  Charles  Ben- 
ton Hess.  Andrew  Jackson  Daugherty,  William  Morell 
Brown,  George  A.  Wilmarth,  John  L.  Barber,  Milton  Pope, 
Christopher  C.  Duffy,  George  Henry  Pruett,  William  Eg- 
bert  Wheeler  MacKinlay,  Charles  Sumner  Beckwith  and 
Charles  William  Fredenburg. 

Affiliated:     Alvin  E.  Tyler. 

Suspended:     John  Arnold  Koepen. 

Demitted:     George  R.  Wilbur. 

Pied:  Augustus  Howard  Jennings  and  John  Stuart 
Ryburn. 

Record  of  departure  of  Ottawa  Commandery  to  Denver, 
Colorado,  to  attend  the  Twenty-Fifth  Triennial  Encamp- 
ment of  the  Grand  Encampment  of  Knights  Templar  of  the 
United  States  of  America.  Saturday  morning,  August  6, 
1892  : 

General  Order,  No.  1. 

HEADQUARTERS  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY,  NO.  10,  K.  T. 

Special  Instructions — Read  Carefully  and  Obey. 

Ottawa,  August  1,  1S92. 
Sir  Knights  and  others  who  are  assigned  sleeper  berths  on 
special  train  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  K.  T.,  are  hereby 
ordered  to  assemble  at  the  asylum  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No. 
10,  K.  T.,  at  Ottawa.  Illinois,  on  Saturday  morning,  August  6,  1892, 
at  8  o'clock  sharp,  at  which  hour  the  Chicago,  Rock  Island  and 
Pacific  Railroad  company  will  require  each  individual  person,  male 
or  female,  to  affix  their  signature  to  the  excursion  ticket,  entitling 
the  holder  only  to  one  round-trip  passage,  as  per  itinerary  souvenir 
of  Ottawa  Commandery.  The  description  of  each  individual  per- 
son entitled  to  travel  on   said  ticket  will  also  be  stamped  on  the 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  215 

ticket.  Therefore,  it  is  imperative  that  each  person  should  be  pres- 
ent in  person  at  the  above  named,  as  the  C,  R.  I.  &  P.  ticket 
agent  will  be  present  at  the  asylum  at  that  hour  with  tickets  and 
stamps. 

BAGGAGE — You  should  mark  your  baggage  plain  with  your 
name,  "Special  Train,  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  Ottawa,  Illinois," 
and  have  it  sent  to  the  depot  of  the  C,  R.  I.  &  P.  at  Ottawa,  Illi- 
nois, where  it  will  be  placed  in  the  special  baggage  car  of  Ottawa 
Commandery.     Send  your  baggage  to  depot  early  Saturday  morning. 

Knights  Templar  valises,  containing  uniforms,  will  be  taken 
care  of  at  the  asylum  of  the  Commandery  by  special  committee, 
which  will  see  to  having  them  placed  in  special  baggage  car  of 
special  train. 

The  lines  will  be  formed  at  9  o'clock,  and  a  new  banner  will 
be  presented  to  the  Commandery  with  appropriate  ceremony,  when 
the  line  of  march  will  be  taken  up  via  La  Salle,  Main  and  Columbus 
streets,  to  the  depot,  preceded  by  Hentrich's  military  band.  Ladies 
will  be  escorted  to  the  depot  in  carriages.  Courteously, 

W.  L.  MILLIGAN,  E.  C. 
Attest:     A.  A.  COLLEY,  Recorder. 

Persuant  to  the  above  order  the  following'  named 
officers  and  Sir  Knights  and  their  ladies  and  friends  in- 
tending to  accompany  the  Commandery  on  its  pilgrimage, 
together  with  a  vast  assemblage  of  friends  of  the  order, 
rendezvoused  in  the  asylum  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No. 
10,  K  .T.,  at  8  o'clock  Saturday  morning,  August  6,  1892: 

William  L.  Milligan   Commander 

Henry  Mayo Generalissimo 

David  Batcheller Captain  General 

William  E.   Prichard    Prelate 

Gustav  Kneussl    Senior  Warden  pro  tern. 

James  Gentleman Junior  Warden  pro  tern. 

Thomas  E.  MacKinlay Treasurer 

Oakley  Griggs   Recorder  pro  tern. 

Richard  Farnswortb Standard  Bearer  pro  tern. 

William  H.  Gilman Color  Bearer 

James  M.  Trenarv Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.  Rodgers    Warder 

Alexander  Hanna Captain  of  the  Guard 


2l6  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

Also  Sir  Knights  A.  J.  Daugherty,  John  C.  Corcoran, 
William  Wilson,  J.  \.  Sliinn,  Thomas  II.  Spencer,  Louis 
Rohrer,  Louis  Scheidecker,  .Milton  Pope,  Ebenezer  Barber. 
A.  C.  Godfrey,  John  W.  Clegg,  J.  B.  Shuler,  C.  B.  Hess, 
II.  E.  Rockwood,  A.  Y.  Mitchell,  G.  II.  Pruett,  M.  E. 
Blanchard,  J.  H.  Widmer,  L.  L.  Graves,  M.  C.  Hodgson, 
C.  S.  Beckwith,  James  A.  Curry,  B.  F.  Colehour,  T.  C.  Gib- 
son, C.  l».  Provins,  S.  G.  (lay,  R.  I).  McDonald,  John  L. 
Clark.  W.  C.  Hall.  L.  S.  Sampson,  I).  H.  Slagie,  John  F. 
Wish,  Frank  T.  Neff,  Edwin  T.  Read,  George  A.  Wilmarth, 
John  L.  Barber  (Sir  Knight  George  A.  Forbes  joined  the 
Commandery  at  Denver),  and  the  following  named  Sir 
Knights  from  sister  Commanderies :  C.  C.  Eldred,  Blanev 
Commandery,  No.  5,  of  Morris,  111.;  A.  ( 1.  Blanchard,  Syc- 
amore Commandery,  No.  15,  Sycamore,  111.;  Em.  Sir  Geo. 
A.  McPherson  and  Sir  Knights  A.  L.  Perry,  J.  A.  Swem. 
Charles  Neureuther,  J.  E.  Hartenbower,  P.  J.  Roberts,  J. 
( r.  Eeldes.  J.  N.  Cox.  John  Wylie,  George  W.  Howe.  St. 
John's  Commandery,  No.  2(>,  Pern,  111. ;  James  Shaw,  Beth- 
any Commandery,  No.  28,  of  Mendota,  Bl. 

Ladies:  Mesdames  J.  A.  Swem,  Mary  Reedy,  Al.  F. 
Schoch,  R.  Farnsworth,  C.  B.  Hess,  C.  J.  Metzger,  J.  PI. 
Widmer,  W.  H.  Gilman,  L.  L.  Graves,  Oakley  Griggs,  C. 
S.  Beckwith,  \A'.  E.  Prichard,  J.  A.  Curry,  B.  F.  Colehour, 
T.  C.  Gibson,  J.  E.  Hartenbower,  C.  B.  Provins,  S.  G.  Gay, 
J.  G.  Feldes,  J.  H.  Cox,  George  Groshens,  H.  Mayo,  J.  F. 
Nash,  E.  W.  Weis,  L.  Johnson,  P.  T-  Roberts,  R.'  D.  Mc- 
Donald, C.  C.  Eldred  and  H.  C.  Half. 

Misses:  Mary  McGinley,  Julia  Rabenstein,  Josie  Fors- 
ter,  Edith  Hess,  Georgia  Gilman,  Hattie  Hill,  Jessie  Clark, 
Josie  Porter,  Grace  Mayo,  Anna  Renz,  Nettie  Ellsworth  and 
Anna  Gay. 

Gents  (not  Templars)  :  Al.  F.  Schoch,  James  Briggs, 
C.  J.  Metzger,  M.  W.  Bach,  William  Rising,  Don  MacKin- 
lay,  Ward  Sawyer,  Harry  Hess  and  E.  W.  Weis. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  21  7 

At  10  o'clock  the  lines  were  formed  when  Sir  Knight 
W.  L.  Milligan,  Em.  C,  presented  the  Commandery  with  a 

silk  American  flag,  with  the  following  remarks  : 

Ladies,  Friends  and  Valiant  Knights: 

It  affords  us  very  great  pleasure  to  extend  to  you  a 
knightly  greeting,  as  we  are  now  about  to  embark  upon  a 
pilgrimage  that  will  mark  an  interesting  epoch  in  the  his- 
tory of  Ottawa  Commander}-.  I  low  changed  the  scene,  how 
different  the  circumstances  under  which  we  embark  in  com- 
parison with  the  pilgrimage  of  the  valiant  soldiers  of  the 
Cross  in  the  eleventh  and  twelfth  centuries,  who  with  san- 
dal, staff  and  scrip  traversed  rugged  mountains  and  arid 
plains,  contending  against  famine,  the  influence  of  climate 
and  enemies  the  most  formidable,  to  visit  Calvary,  the  tomb 
of  Christ,  and  renew  their  baptism  in  the  waters  of  the 
Jordan. 

They  believed  that  there  no  longer  existed  any  other 
city  hut  Jerusalem  or  other  habitable  spot  of  earth  but  that 
which  contained  the  tomb  of  Christ. 

All  the  roads  which  led  to  the  Holy  City  were  deluged 
with  blood  and  presented  nothing  hut  the  scattered  spoils 
and  wrecks  of  nations.  The  beauseant  was  their  battle  flag, 
the  black  typifying  terror  to  their  foes,  and  the  white  fair- 
ness to  their  friends.  Under  its  folds  the  plains  of  Hattan 
were  drenched  with  blood  and  the  Holy  City  delivered  to 
the  Christians. 

'Jdie  present  generation,  which  has  witnessed  the  out- 
break of  many  passions  on  the  political  scene,  which  has 
passed  through  so  many  calamities,  will  not  see  without 
interest  that  Providence  sometimes  employs  great  revolu- 
tions to  enlighten  mankind,  and  to  insure  the  future  pros- 
perity of  governments. 

The  discovery  of  the  continent  of  America  by  Christo- 
pher Columbus  400  years  ago  was  the  beginning  of  a  new 
era  in  the  civilization  of  the  world. 

Through  the  dim  starlight  of  superstition  and  idolatry 


2l8  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

the  earlier  ages  of  our  race  groped  their  way  to  knowledge. 
Conflicting  legends  had  left  in  doubt  the  form  of  the  earth, 
the  origin  of  man  and  questions  of  theology  were  in  doubt. 
The  light  of  the  Gospel  emitted  but  the  twilight  of  Christ- 
ian truth,  its  glimmering  rays  shone  through  prisons,  in- 
quisitions and  star  chambers  after  the  purer  light  had  been 
closed  i  tut  by  creeds. 

The  close  of  the  Revolutionary  war  secured  by  law  the 
freedom  of  conscience,  with  the  liberty  of  the  press;  free 
inquiry  came  as  an  effulgent  light,  science  awoke  from  the 
slumber  of  ages,  and,  like  an  agile  army  of  travelers,  pene- 
trated every  recess  of  the  earth  and  the  elements  to  dis- 
cover further  light. 

Freedom  tore  the  fetters  from  the  limbs  of  science,  and, 
in  grateful  return,  science  has  magnified  freedom  in  giving 
her  new  powers  and  grander  era  of  action,  and  instead  of 
traversing  a  continent  with  sandal,  staff  and  scrip,  contend- 
ing* against  famine,  the  influence  of  climate  and  enemies  the 
most  formidable,  science  has  given  us  roads  of  steel  and 
coaches  with  all  the  comforts  of  the  most  elegant  homes, 
lighted  by  electricity,  and  drawn  by  chariots  of  hTe  to  whirl 
us,  with  the  speed  of  the  wind,  through  the  peaceful  valley 
of  the  Mississippi,  with  a  soil  as  rich  as  the  valley  of  the 
Xile.  Through  wheat  fields  and  corn  fields,  until  the  lowing 
of  the  great  herds  on  the  ranches  of  Kansas  and  Colorado 
mingle  with  the  rumbling  of  our  mighty  train,  until  moun- 
tains filled  with  the  richest  minerals,  coal  to  propel  the 
machinery  of  the  world,  gold  to  conduct  its  commerce,  iron. 
lead  and  copper,  remind  us  that  we  have  arrived  at  the 
mecca  of  our  pilgrimage,  the  city  of  Denver.  How  changed 
the  scene.  The  age  of  ignorance  and  superstition  has  passed. 
Our  swords  are  no  longer  drawn  in  mortal  combat.  The 
beauseant  no  longer  incites  to  deeds  of  bloodshed  and  car- 
nage. We  will  now  take  np  the  ensign  of  a  free  and  en- 
lightened  people. 

The  Stars  and  Stripes: 

Long  may  it  wave, 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  2IO, 

O'er  the  land  of  the  free 
And  the  home  of  the  brave. 

Sir  Knight  William  H.  Oilman,  Standard  Bearer.  T 
now  have  the  very  great  pleasure  of  placing  in  your  hands 
this  property  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  the  first  American 
flag  ever  presented  to  or  carried  by  a  Commandery  of 
Knights  Templar.  Well  may  you  feel  honored  in  being  its 
bearer,  and  we  trust  that  yon,  and  the  Knights  Templar  of 
Ottawa  Commandery,  will  see  to  it,  with  your  swords,  if 
necessary,  that  no  anarchist  insults  it  and  foreign  nations 
respect  it.  Let  its  blue  held  remind  you,  Sir  Knights,  of 
the  lessons  taught  you  in  Masonry:  that  virtue  should  be  as 
expansive  in  the  breast  of  every  Mason  as  the  blue  vault  of 
Heaven.  And  as  you  were  taught  that  red  denotes  fervency 
and  zeal,  mav  its  red  stripes  remind  yon  that  you  should 
ever  defend  the  free  institutions  of  your  country  with  that 
fervency  and  zeal  which  should  characterize  all  loyal  Ameri- 
can citizens,  and,  finally.  Sir  Knights,  as  we  were  taught 
that  white  is  an  emblem  of  purity,  may  its  white  stripes 
inspire  us  to  perpetnate  this  government  as  pure  and  unde- 
filed  as  bequeathed  us  by  our  ancestors,  and  that  the  equal 
laws  of  our  country  and  virtuous  conduct  of  the  people  will 
lie  imitated  by  all  the  nations  of  the  earth,  and  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  world  shall  be  free  men  and  fellow  citizens  and 
patriotism  itself  be  lost  in  brotherly  love,  relief  and  truth. 

[The  address  ended,  Hentrich's  military  band,  stationed 
outside  the  asylum,  struck  up  the  "Star  Spangled  Banner" 
amidst  deafening  applause.] 

After  the  address  the  line  of  march  was  taken  tip  in  the 
following  order : 

Hentrich's  military  band. 

Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  K.  T. 

Visiting  Sir  Knights. 

Ladies  in  carriages. 

With  the  swords  of  the  Sir  Knights  glistening  in  the 
sunshine,    waving  plumes   and   the   two   Old   Glories    (the 


_'_'•> 


I  ll  E   KNIGHTS  TEM  PLAR. 


SIR   WILLIAM    H.    OILMAN. 
Standard   Bearer  of  Ottawa   Commandery,   Who   Received  and  Car- 
ried  the   First   American   Flag   Ever  Presented   to  a   Com- 
mandery of  Knights  Templar.  August  6,  1892,  on 
Pilgrimage   to   Denver,   Colorado. 


THE  FIRST  AMERICAN  FLAG  EVER  PRESENTED  TO  A 
COMMANDERY  OF  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR. 
This  flag  was  purchased  in  January,  1892,  by  W.  L.  Milligan, 
Em.  Commander  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  but  the  formal  presenta- 
tion was  not  made  until  August  6,  1892,  the  morning  of  the  departure 
of  the  Commandery  to  the  twenty-fifth  triennial  conclave  of  the 
Grand  Encampment  of  the  U.  S.  A.,  at  Denver,  Colo.  The  above  pic- 
ture is  the  remnant  of  the  flag  then  presented,  a  new  flag  having 
recently  replaced  this  historic  one. 


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HISTORY  OK  OTTAWA  COM  M  AN  DENY.  223 

flag  of  our  country  and  the  beauseant  of  our  order)  side  by 
side  fluttering  in  the  breeze  of  a  beautiful  summer  day,  the 
procession  moved  from  the  asylum  south  on  La  Salle  street 
to  Main,  east  on  Main  to  Columbus,  north  on  Columbus  to 
the  Rock  Island  depot,  where  the  train,  consisting  of  engine, 
baggage  car,  day  coach  tourist  sleeper  "Saracen,"  three  first 
class  Pullman  palace  sleepers  and  dining  car  "Hotel  de  Pil- 
grim," all  handsomely  and  appropriately  decorated,  was  in 
waiting  to  receive  us. 

At  ii  125  o'clock,  amid  the  sounding  of  the  whistle,  the 
ringing  bell,  strains  of  music  from  the  band,  the  waving  of 
handkerchiefs  and  the  cheers  of  the  vast  multitude  of 
friends,  who  had  assembled  at  the  depot  to  wish  us  a  hearty 
God  speed,  the  train  rolled  away  for  the  West. 

The  presentation  of  the  American  flag,  the  first  ever 
presented  to  a  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar,  was 
heralded  in  the  Associated  Press  as  an  innovation  in  Tem- 
plar Masonry,  and  when  we  arrived  at  Denver  we  observed 
that  Commanderies,  whose  officers  had  read  of  this  incident, 
were  carrying  flags  of  all  sizes  and  dimensions  from  ten 
cents  up  in  price,  and  when,  on  the  day  of  the  grand  parade, 
Ottawa  Commandery  passed  the  reviewing  stand  General 
John  C.  Smith,  and  the  reviewing  officers,  on  observing  the 
approach  of  Ottawa  Commandery  with  "Old  Glory"  floating 
on  the  breeze,  rose  from  their  seats  and  shouted:  "Three 
cheers  for  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  and  Old  Glory." 
Ottawa  Commandery  had  seventy-three  swords  in  line  in  the 
parade  at  Denver. 

We  quote  from  the  Chicago  Daily  News  of  August  7, 
1892: 

KNIGHTS  HOLD  AN  OPEN  MEETING. 


An  Innovation  by  Ottawa  Commandery  Before  Starting  for  Denver. 
Ottawa,   111.,  Aug.   6. — An   innovation   which  marks  an  epoch   in 


J 24  ™  E   KNIGHTS  TKM  I'l.AU, 

I  he  history  of  Knight   Templarism  was  indulged  in  by  Ottawa  Com 
mandery  this  morning. 

The  beautiful  asylum  of  the  organization  was  thrown  open  to 
the  public  to  witness  the  assembling  of  the  Sir  Knights  preparatory 
to  the  embarking  for  the  Denver  encampment  and  conclave.  At 
the  appointed  hour  Captain  General  David  Batcheller  formed  the 
Knights  in  line  and  marched  them  into  the  spacious  lodge  rooms, 
and  halted  them  for  orders.  The  routine  details  having  been  given, 
Em.  Sir  William  L.  Milligan  called  for  the  color  guard,  and  addressed 
them  pleasantly  upon  their  trip.  He  touched  upon  the  early  strug- 
gles of  Masonry  and  the  Order  of  Knights  Templar,  closing  by  pick- 
ing up  a  beautiful  silk  banner,  the  stars  and  stripes,  saying: 

"Sir  Knights  and  Brother  Warriors:  This  emblem  of  the 
greatest  free  and  enlightened  country  on  earth  I  now  present  you, 
with  the  assurance  that  it  is  the  first  American  flag  ever  carried 
on  a  pilgrimage  or  elsewhere  by  a  Commandery  of  Knights  Tem- 
plar." 

The  announcement  elicited  wild  applause.  The  Ottawa  band 
outside  the  asylum  struck  up  the  "Star  Spangled  Banner"  and  the 
multitude  cheered  themselves  hoarse. 

The  Ottawa  Commandery  turns  out  seventy-three  plumes.  Sev- 
eral Sir  Knights  were  accompanied  by  their  ladies.  Over  one  hun- 
dred tickets  were  sold  to  the  organization  and  members  of  the 
craft  who  have  not  yet  reached  the  Knights  Templar  degree.  They 
left  by  special  train  at  11  a.  m. 

This  was  a  most  enjoyable  trip,  going  via  Des  Moines 
and  (  )maha,  and  returning  via  Topeka  and  Kansas  City. 

The  Commandery  arrived  in  Ottawa  on  return  at  5  p.  m. 
on  August  15th,  and  was  met  by  a  large  concourse  of  peo- 
ple who  were  proud  of  the  showing  Ottawa  Commandery 
had  made  while  abroad.  They  were  escorted  to  their  asy- 
lum hv  a  detachment  of  Sir  Knights  who  had  not  gone  to 
Denver,  where  a  fine  luncheon  and  refreshments  had  been 
prepared  for  the  returning  'pilgrims. 

Ottawa  Commandery  attended  Easter  service  April  17, 
[892,  at  the  Episcopal  Church,  sixty-four  swords  being  in 
line. 

One  of  the  most  pleasant  happenings  in  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery occurred  on  the  12th  of  June  when  Em.  Sir  John 
F.  Nash,  on  behalf  of  the  Commandery,  presented  P.  Em. 
Sir    Walter    Briggrs   Titus   a  beautiful    Past    Commander's 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  225 

Jewel,   in  token  of  the  friendship  and  knightly  esteem  of 
the  Knights  of  Ottawa  Commandery  toward  Em.  Sir  Titus. 

W.  B.  Titus,  C.  B.  1 'renins  and  T.  E.  MacKinlay,  com- 
mittee, presented  the  following  tribute  to  Sir  Knight  Dr. 
John  Stewart  Ryburn,  which  was  adopted  October  13, 
1892: 

Sir  Knights :  We  have  again  been  startled  by  an  alarm 
at  the  inner  door  of  the  asylum,  and  another  of  our  beloved 
and  highly  esteemed  f raters  has  been  summoned  by  the 
Sovereign  Master  of  the  Universe  to  that  Grand  Asylum 
above,  prepared  from  the  foundation  of  the  world  for  all 
those  who  have  clean  hands  and  a  pure  heart.  Our  most 
worthv  Brother  and  Sir  Knight.  Dr.  John  Stew-art  Ryburn, 
after  a  very  short  illness  of  only  four  days,  passed  quietly 
away  at  his  residence  in  Ottawa  at  7:30  o'clock  on  Wednes- 
day evening",  September  21,  1892,  sending  an  electric  thrill 
of  sorrow  and  mourning  throughout  this  community,  where 
he  was  so  well  known  and  highly  honored,  and  its  coming 
was  like  a  dash  of  lightning  from  a  clear  sky. 

And   thus   was  he  called  to  lay  down   his  life  work   in 

the  mid-day  of  an  intensely  busy  and  useful  life  whose  labors 

(if  love  for  his  fellow  men  it  will   be  difficult  to  duplicate 

and  will  be  sadly  missed  by  the  poor,   who  have  been   the 

recipients  of  his  generous  benefactions  in  years  past. 

We  loved  to  think  of  him  as  one 
To  whom  long  years  were  given. 
It  came  not  once  within  our  tears, 
He  could  so  early  go. 

Very  few  are  called  away  from  our  midst  who  have  left 
such  an  unblemished  record,  such  an  unselfish,  self-sacrific- 
ing, unassuming  manifestation  of  kindly  solicitude  for  those 
with  whom  he  came  in  contact,  and  more  especially  those 
who  came  within  his  professional  care. 

With    what   untiring   energy   and    earnest    solicitude   he 


226  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

watched  by  the  couch  of  suffering  none  know  so  well  as 
those  who  knew  him  best  and  have  been  the  recipients  of 
his  watchful  care.  The  same  assiduous  attention  was  be- 
stowed upon  the  poor  and  rich  alike,  and  as  one  has  well 
said  of  him:  "No  night  too  dark,  no  road  too  rough,  no 
hour  too  untimely  to  receive  his  quick  response  and  earnest 
efforts." 

And  thus  went  out  a  greatly  valued  life  spent  in  the 
relief  of  the  suffering  of  others,  and  thus  furnishing  an 
example  of  the  highest  type  of  manhood,  and  it  may  well  be 
said  of  him:  "He  was  one  of  nature's  noblemen  whose  ex- 
ample is  worthy  of  imitation."     Therefore,  he  it. 

Resolved.  That  the  members  of  Ottawa  Commandery, 
No.  10,  do  hereby  tender  to  the  bereaved  wife  and  rela- 
tives of  our  departed  Brother  and  Sir  Knight  our  sincere 
and  heartfelt  sympathv  in  this  hour  of  their  great  sorrow, 
and  tenderly  commend  them  to  Him  who  doeth  all  things 
well,  for  that  comfort  and  consolation  which  He  alone  can 
give. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  he  spread 
upon  the  records,  and  that  an  engrossed  copy  he  presented 
tc  the  wife  of  our  departed  Brother  and  Sir  Knight. 

EXCERPTA:  Our  principles  are  heaven-descended,  divine. 
The  King  of  Heaven,  Himself,  the  author  and  exemplar.  We  have 
vowed  fidelity  to  these  principles.  Let  none  prove  recreant  to  their 
vows. 


[893. 
The  thirty-first  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery 

was  held  in  their  asylum   1  )ecemher  8,   A.    1).    [892,   A.   (  ). 

774.  when  the  following  officers  were  elected  and  appointed 
for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

I  Icnrv   Mayo    Commander 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDEKV.  227 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson Generalissimo 

Gustav  Kneussl    Captain  General 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

Paul  Teisseclre Senior  Warden 

Jacob  Benner  Shuler junior  Warden 

Thomas  E.  MacKinlay Treasurer 

David  Batcheller    Recorder 

Charles  William  Fredenburg Standard  Bearer 

James  M.  Trenary Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.   Rodgers    Warder 

Foster  Heald  McKenney Captain  of  the  Guard 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective 
stations  on  the  twelfth  day  of  January,  1893,  A.  O.  775.  by 
Past  Commander  W.  L.  Milligan,  assisted  by  James  Milli- 
gan  as  marshal. 

Created:  Julius  Antonio  Freeman,  Edgar  Goodrich 
Dyer,  Albert  Frederick  Schoch,  Charles  Philander  Taylor 
and  Jacob  Isaac  Warner. 

Affiliated:     Edward  S.  Morahn. 

P emitted:     Adelbert  T.  Olmstead  and  John  F.  Toland. 

Easter  Sunday  was  observed  on  the  second  day  of  April 
by  the  Commanclery  attending  divine  services  at  the  First 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  sixty-eight  swords  being  in 
line.  The  Rev.  N.  ().  Freeman,  pastor,  delivered  a  very 
interesting  sermon,  which  was  highly  pleasing  to  the  fraters 
of  Ottawa  Commanclery. 

Ottawa  Commandery  was  net  inspected  (hiring  the  year 

1893- 

EXCERPT  A:  Born  amid  the  blaze  of  religious  enthusiasm, 
when  each  Sir  Knight  felt  deep  down  in  his  inmost  soul  that 
he  must  bear  an  important  part  in  the  prosecution  of  the  ultimate 
design  for  which  his  order  was  created,  so  must  we,  by  every  hon- 
est endeavor,  show  our  interest  in  this  great  and  glorious  work, 
and  each  bear  his  part  in  bearing  aloft  his  banner  to  the  breeze, 
proclaiming  liberty  to  the  captive,  comfort  to  the  aching  heart, 
and  faith  in  the  risen   Redeemer  of  the  human  race. 


228  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

1894. 

The  thirty-second  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Command- 
ery  was  held  in  their  asylum  December  14,  A.  L).  1893, 
A.  ().  yj^,  when  the  following  officers  were  elected  and 
appointed  tor  the  ensuing'  Templar  year : 

Henry  IMayo   Commander 

Theodore   Cunningham  Gibson    Generalissimo 

William  Lee  Roy  Milligan Captain  General 

William  E.  Prichard   Prelate 

Paul  Teissedre Senior  Warden 

George  H.  Pruett Junior  Warden 

Thomas   E.   MacKinlay    Treasurer 

David  Batcheller    Recorder 

William  H.  Gilman    Standard  Bearer 

William  H.   Knowles    Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.  Rodgers Warder 

Foster  H.  McKenney Captain  of  the  Guard 

The  above  officers  were  installed  on  Decemher  2^,  A.  D. 
1893,  A.  O.  yy^,  hv  P.  R.  Em.  Sir  John  Fisk  Nash,  assisted 
by  Sir  Thomas  C.  Fullerton  as  marshal. 

Created:  Andrew  Ritchie  Van  Skiver,  Francis  Marion 
Yentzer,  Rector  Cass  Hitt,  Walter  Bogart  Wignall,  James 
Morris,  Samuel  Richolson,  Thomas  Bawden  and  Rev.  P. 
K.  Hammond. 

Affiliated:     Wilbur  F.  Heath. 

Demitted:     Charles  H.  Smith. 

Suspended :     B.  F.  Sweet  and  Charles  Wilkins. 

Died:     Charles  H.  Steen,  Albert  At  wood  Cblley,  Thos. 

Coxy  Fullerton  and  William  Stormont. 

These    are    the    immortal    hours    of    whom 
thou  dost  demand.     One  waits  for  thee. 

It  is  with  sincere  sorrow  that  we  here  chronicle  the  de- 
parting of  Sirs  Charles    H.   Steen,   Albert   Atwood   Colley 

and     William     Stormont,     all     valiant     and     magnanimous 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  229 

knights,  and  men  of  affairs  that  the  world  was  made  better 
by  their  being  moving  factors  in  it.  Sir  William  Stor- 
mont  was  one  of  Ottawa's  most  progressive  citizens,  and 
wielded  a  moral  influence  in  the  circles  he  frequented.  He 
came  to  Ottawa  in  an  early  day  and  engaged  in  the  foun- 
dry and  machine  shop  business.  He  was  a  sincere  Christian 
and  devoted  to  the  church  and  Order  of  Knights  Templar. 
He  was  also  a  member  of  Oriental  Consistory.  320 ,  Valley 
of  Chicago.     He  passed  to  his  reward  O^toWr  12.  1894. 

Easter  Sunday  was  observed  by  Ottawa  Commandery  at 
Christ  Episcopal  Church,  of  Streator,  111.,  on  March  2;, 
A.  D.  1894.  A.  O.  //(->.  One  hundred  and  five  swords  were 
in  line.  The  rector.  Rev.  P.  K.  Hammond,  delivered  a  very 
interesting  sermon,  after  which  dinner  was  served  at  the 
Columbia  hotel.  Streator. 

Sir  William  Jenkins,  Grand  Junior  Warden,  inspected 
Ottawa  Commandery  May  24th,  fifty-five  swords  being  in 
line,  and  the  Commandery  passed  a  very  favorable  inspec- 
tion. 

Memorial  to  Sir  Thomas  C.  Fullerton. 

On  September  2j,  1894,  the  committee,  consisting  of 
Sirs  W.  B.  Titus,  John  H.  Widmer  and  John  F.  Nash,  pre- 
sented resolutions  on  the  death  of  Sir  Thomas  Coxy  Fuller- 
tun,  as  follows : 

By  the  lessons  taught  through  the  symbols  of  our  order 
our  minds  become  so  familiar  with  the  emblems  of  mor- 
tality that  we  are  apt  to  lose  sight  of  its  stern  reality,  but 
when  the  messenger  of  death  sounds  an  alarm  at  the  door 
of  our  asylum  and  summons  hence  one  of  our  members  we 
are  startled  with  the  realities  of  life's  fleetness  of  time. 

Thus  have  we  again  been  reminded  in  the  death  of  our 
frater.  Sir  Thomas  C.  Fullerton,  that  a  bright  and  burning 
taper  of  life  has  been  extinguished  in  our  Commander)-  and 
our  asylum  shrouded  in  gloom. 


23O  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

While  thus  called  to  mourn  the  loss  of  a  cherished  com- 
panion in  arms,  whose  footfalls  will  never  more  he  heard  in 
our  council  halls,  and  whose  voice  will  never  more  thrill  our 
hearts  with  eloquence  of  truth,  yet  we  will  ever  cherish  his 
memory  as  a  true  and  courteous  knight  who  has  fallen  in 
life's  struggle  full  knightly,  with  his  armor  on,  prepared 
for  knightly  deeds  in  the  Grand  Asylum  beyond  the  dark 
river.      Therefore,  he  it. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  Sir  Knight  Thomas  C. 
Fullerton  our  order  has  lost  one  of  its  brightest  jewels,  so- 
ciety an  active,  honorable,  high-minded  citizen,  and  his  fam- 
ily a  devoted  husband  and  father. 

Resolved,  That  we  will  cherish  his  memory,  imitate  his 
virtues  and  ever  hear  testimony  to  his  integrity  as  a  just  and 
upright  man. 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  he  spread  on  the  records 
of  the  Commandery  and  a  certified  copy  transmitted  to  the 
family  of  the  deceased. 

EXCERPTA:  Render  unto  every  man  his  due,  not  stintingly, 
not  grudgingly,  not  meanly,  but  nobly,  generously,  freely  as  the  air 
we  breathe,  and  without  price,  as  the  sunshine  and  the  light. 


1805. 
The  thirty-third  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Command- 
ery  was  held   in  their  asylum   December    13,   A.    1).    [894, 
A.   O.   yy<i,   when   the   following   officers   were   elected   and 
appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

Henry  Mayo   Commander 

Albert  Frederick  Schoch   Generalissimo 

James   Milligan    Captain   General 

Clarence   Griggs    Prelate 

Paul   Teissedre    Senior   Warden 

Charles  William  Fredenburg Junior  Warden 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  23  I 

Thomas  E.  MacKinlay    Treasurer 

1  )avid  Batcheller Recorder 

William  Henry  Oilman    Standard  Bearer 

William  Henry  Knowles    Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.   Rodgers    Warder 

James  Marshall  Trenary Captain  of  the  Guard 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective  sta- 
tions January  17th  by  Past  Em.  Sir  Theodore  C.  Gibson, 
installing  officer,  with  Sir  Gustav  Kneussl  acting  as  marshal. 

Created:  Matthew  William  Bach,  John  P.  Hale  Fran- 
cis, Carlisle  M.  Pool.  Charles  G.  Werner.  John  Wvlie,  Sam- 
uel U.  Lawry.  Joseph  William  Bird.  Camillus  McClure. 
Harry  Lewis  Manley,  Charles  Lawrence  Gabkee,  William 
Earl  Flick,  Clarence  Beeman  Chapman.  Nathan  Fleming  and 
David  Refior. 

Affiliated:     Charles  Edward  Harman  and  A.  P.  Wright. 

Pied:     David  Robbins  Gregg. 

Suspended :     Eugene  Moffit. 

Sixty-two  Sir  Knights  attended  Easter  service  at  Christ 
Episcopal  Church.  Ottawa,  April  14th.  The  rector,  Rev. 
J.  X.  Edwards,  delivered  a  very  entertaining  sermon.  The 
musical  program  was  exceptionally  well  rendered. 

The  Commandery  was  inspected  May  25,  1895,  by  Em. 
Sir  George  W.  Curtis,  Grand  Junior  Warden  of  the  Grand 
Commandery.  Sixty-eight  Sir  Knights  were  present,  and 
the  Commandery  passed  a  most  favorable  inspection.  The 
Order  of  the  Temple  was  conferred,  after  which  a  sumptu- 
ous banquet  was  partaken,  followed  by  the  usual  flow  of 
eloquence. 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  the  command  of  Em.  Sir 
Henrv  Mayo,  took  part  in  the  twenty-sixth  triennial  con- 
clave held  in  Boston,  M^ss.,  August  2j.  1895,  displaying 
sixty  blades  in  the  parade. 

The  Commandery  occupied  a  special  train  of   Pullman 


'I'll  E    K  NIGHTS  TKM  PI.AR. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  233 

sleepers  while  en  route,  via  Niagara  Falls,  the  Thousand 
Islands  and  Montreal,  and  at  Boston  established  headquar- 
ters at  Woodlawn  Park  Hotel,  Auburndale,  a  beautiful  sub- 
urb of  Boston,  where  they  were  most  courteously  enter- 
tained by  Gethsemane  Commandery,  of  Newton,  Mass.,  a 
suburb  of  Boston. 

Past  Em.  Sir  William  L.  Milligan  was  adjutant  of  the 
Fourth  Illinois  division  during"  the  conclave  and  parade. 

This  was  a  delightful  pilgrimage,  and  will  long  be  hailed 
as  a  bright  oasis  in  the  history  of  Ottawa  Commandery. 

Some  of  the  members  who  accompanied  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery are  shown  in  picture  herein  taken  in  front  of  the 
opera  house  the  day  of  departure:  Beginning  with  the 
front  rank,  reading  with  numbers  from  left  to  right,  they 
are:  1.  11.  Mayo,  Em.  C. ;  2,  W.  L.  Milligan:  3.  Al.  F. 
Schoch;  4.  T.  C.  Gibson;  5,  G.  McPherson,  St.  John's  Com- 
mandery, Peru,  111.;  0,  Arthur  Lockwood;  7.  W.  C.  Hall; 
8,  \Y.  M.  Brown;  9.  D.  A.  Cook;  10,  S.  McFeely  ;  11.  C. 

Bruner,  St.  John's  Commandery,  Pern.  111.;   12, ;  13, 

James  Gentleman;  14,  (ins  Kneussl ;  15,  Thomas  Spencer; 
16,  Walter  Reeves ;  17,  J.  X.  Dunaway;  18,  William  Wil- 
son; 19,  ;  20,  J.  J.  Withrow  ;  21,  X.  Gary;  22, ; 

23,  L.  F.  Grube :  24,  C.  B.  Anderson;  2$,  D.  McDougall ; 
2(>,  W.  H.  Gilman;  27,  W.  F.  Heath;  28*,  George  Rigden : 
29,  George  H.  Prr.ett ;  30,  C.  Suppes ;  31,  R.  Farnsworth; 
32,  R.  C.  Hitt ;  33,  M.  W.  Bach ;  34,  J.  P.  Rodgers ;  35,  S.  U. 
Lawry;  36,  Dr.  I\.  W.  Leland,  St.  John's  Commandery, 
Peru,  111.  :  37,  L.  A.  Kaiser,  St.  John's  Commandery,  Peru, 
ill. 

Ottawa  Commandery  took  part  in  escort  duty  at  the  lay- 
ing of  the  corner  stone  of  the  Xorthern  Illinois  State  Nor- 
mal School,  at  De  Kalb,  October  1,  1895.  Twenty  Sir 
Knights   of   Ottawa   Commandery  were   in   line. 


2^4  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

EXCERPTA:  The  man  of  coarse  fiber  is  not  qualified  to  appre 
ciate  the  vows  of  Christian  knighthood.  In  France,  in  the  middle 
ages,  the  knights  at  a  tournament  wore  embroidery  on  their  sleeves; 
a  rose,  as  an  emblem  that  gentleness  should  accompany  courage, 
and  that  beauty  is  the  reward  of  valor.  To  be  gentle  and  courte- 
ous to  all  is  one  of  the  impressive  lessons  taught  in  the  asylum, 
and  if  thought,  language  and  demeanor  cannot  be  conformed  to 
this  standard,  like  the  dull  color  of  a  valueless  stone,  the  rich  golden 
setting  of  Templarism  only  intensifies  the  contrast. 


1896. 

The  thirty-fourth  animal  conclave  of  Ottawa  Command- 
ery  was  held  in  their  asylum  December  12.  A.  D.  1895, 
A.  O.  777,  when  the  following  officers  were  elected  and  ap- 
pointed for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

Albert  Frederick  Schoch .Commander 

Henry  Mayo Generalissimo 

George  Abram  Mills   Captain  General 

"Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

1  )a\  id  Refior    Senior  Warden 

George  Henry  Prnett Junior  Warden 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson    Treasurer 

David  Batcheller    Recorder 

William  H.  Gilman    Standard  Bearer 

Paul  Teissedre Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.  Rodgers Warder 

Alexander  Hanna    Sentinel 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective 
offices  December  26,  1895,  by  P.  Em.  Sir  Henry  Mayo,  in- 
stalling officer,  assisted  by  P.  Em.  Sir  Theodore  C.  Gibson, 
as  marshal. 

Seventy-five  Sir  Knights  attended  Easter  services  at  the 
Congregational  church  April  5th.  Rev.  L.  O.  Baird,  pas- 
tor, delivered  an  able  sermon. 

The  Commandery  was  inspected  May  28.  1806,  by  ban. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  235 

Sir  James  Sherwin,  Grand  Generalissimo  of  the  Grand  Com- 
mandery.  Sixty-eight  swords  were  in  line.  Em.  Sir  Sher- 
win did  not  spoil  Ottawa  Commandery  by  sparing  the  "rod" 
of  criticism.  His  was  a  most  rigid  inspection  of  the  mili- 
tary tactics  of  the  asylum,  but,  notwithstanding  his  many 
criticisms,  he  pronounced  Ottawa  Commandery  the  peer  of 
an}-  Commandery  in  the  state,  except  perhaps  two  or  three 
which  have  crack  drill  teams. 

Xo  work  was  done  by  the  Commandery  during  the  year 
1896. 

Affiliated:     Samuel  Hogan  Heidler. 

Dcmittcd:  Thomas  E.  MacKinlay  and  William  J. 
Birth. 

Suspended:     Frank  W.  Case. 

Pied :  John  Brooks  Rice  and  Austin  Valentine  Mitchell. 
Also  P.  Em.  Sir  William  L.  Gibson,  who  was  Commander 
of  Ottawa  Commandery  in  1868.  demitted  and  affiliated 
with  Eldorado  Commandery.  No.  19,  Kansas,  of  which  he 
was  elected  Eminent  Commander.  Ottawa  Commandery 
performed  the  burial  services  for  all  of  the  above  f raters. 

Memorial  to  John  Brooks  Rice. 
On   March    12,   1896  C.  B.   Chapman,   E,   Howland  and 
John  Stout,  the  committee  on  resolutions  of  respect  to  the 
memory  of  Sir  John  Brooks  Rice,  deceased,  presented  the 
following  resolutions  : 

Once  more  the  grim  messenger  of  death  has  knocked 
at  the  door  of  our  asylum  and  another  chair  is  vacant. 

Sir  Knight  John  Brooks  Rice  was  called  from  labor  to 
rest  on  the  24th  day  of  February,  A.  D.  1896.  He  was  an 
able  lawyer,  a  safe  counsellor,  a  ripe  scholar  and  an  upright 
man. 

Knighted  December  10.  1861,  he,  for  more  than  thirty- 
four  years,  moved  among  us  as  a  valiant  knight,  wielding  his 


236  III  E   KNIGHTS    Tl-.M  PEAK. 

sword  in  the  defense  of  helpless  orphans,  innocent  maidens, 
destitute  widows  and  the  Christian  religion. 

I  le  was  made  a  knight  before  main-  of  our  members  were 
horn,  and  was  the  confidential  friends  and  adviser  of  many 
whose  honored  names  now  appear  on  the  records  of  our 
Commandery,  hut  who  have  gone  to  their  reward.  Mis  last 
hours  were  soothed,  comforted  and  brightened  hv  the 
knightly  ministrations  of  his  fraters,  and  his  remains  were 
tenderly  consigned  to  mother  earth. 

Resolved,  That  while  we  cherish  the  memory  ^\  our 
departed  brother,  let  us  emulate  his  main-  noble  qualities 
of  head  and  heart. 

On  January  28,  1897,  Henrv  Mayo.  E.  How  land  and 
J.  X.  Dunaway.  committee,  presented  the  following  mem- 
orial : 

Austin  Yal extixe  Mitchell. 

The  Grand  Warder  above  has  again  invaded  our  asy- 
lum and  taken  from  our  midst  our  late  f rater.  Sir  Knight 
Austin  Valentine  Mitchell,  who  received  that  summons  we 
all  must  obey  and  passed  to  the  Grand  Asylum  above  Thurs- 
day. Octoher  1,  1896,  at  Streator,  111. 

Sir  Knight  Mitchell  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery  May  19.  1887.  He  has  maintained  and  honored 
the  sublime  principles  of  our  order  by  exemplifying,  in  all 
the  walks  of  lite,  truth,  purity  and  benevolence.  Therefore. 
be  it. 

Resolved,  That  Ottawa  Gommandery  deeply  regret  the 
loss  of  our  departed  brother,  and  cherish  his  memory  as  one 
of  our  most  esteemed  members. 

Resolved.  That  we  extend  to  the  family  of  our  departed 
brother  our  sincere  sympathy  in  this,  their  hour  of  bereave- 
ment, and  that  these  resolutions  he  spread  upon  the  records 
of  Ottawa  Commandery  and  a  copy  forwarded  to  the  fam- 
ily of  the  deceased. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  237 

EXCERPTA:  By  your  daily  walk  and  deportment,  and  an  un- 
swerving fidelity  to  every  principle  promulgated  and  every  les- 
son taught  in  Templar  Masonry,  illustrate  that  you  are  worthy 
successors  to  those  men  who,  fired  by  love  and  strengthened  by 
hope,  in  support  of  these  very  principles,  baptized  in  blood  the 
vows   of  Knighthood. 


1897. 

The  thirty-fifth  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery 
was  held  in  their  asylum  December  10,  A.  D.  1896,  A.  O. 
778,  when  the  following  officers  were  elected  and  appointed 
for  the  ensuing  Templar  year  : 

Albert    Frederick    Schoch    Commander 

Clarence  Griggs   Generalissimo 

David  Refior Captain  General 

Walter   Briggs  Titus    Prelate 

Charles   Philander  Taylor    Senior  Warden 

Samuel  Hogan  Heidler    Junior  Warden 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson    Treasurer 

David  Batcheller    Recorder 

William  Henry  Gilman Standard  Bearer 

Paul  Teissedre Sword  Bearer 

Clarence  Beeman  Chapman Warder 

Alexander  Hanna    Sentinel 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective 
stations  January  14,  [897,  by  P.  Em.  Sir  Henry  Mayo,  as- 
sisted by  P.  Em.  Sir  William  L.  Milligan,  as  marshal. 

Created:  Frank  Young  Herbert,  Herbert  Allen  Brown, 
Charles  J.  Yockey,  Richard  F.  Knott  and  Edgar  El  dredge. 

Affiliated:     Berkley  Gillett  Barrett. 

Suspended:  James  E.  Cooke,  W.  E.  St.  Clair,  Austin 
J.   Bell  and  John  D.  Hammond. 

Died:     David  Batcheller. 

Owing  to  the  death  of  Sir  David   Batcheller,  Recorder, 


238  I'll  E   KNIGHTS    I'l'.M  PLAR, 

a  dispensation  was  issued  1>v  the  Grand  Commander  for 
the  holding  of  an  election  for  the  purpose  of  electing  his 
successor,  which  election  was  held  at  a  stated  conclave  Janu- 
ary 28,  [897,  when  Sir  John  Stout  was  elected  Recorder  for 
the  remainder  of  the  ensuing"  Templar  year. 

Easter  Sunday,  April  18,  1897,  Ottawa  Commandery 
attended  Easter  serviee  at  the  First  Baptist  church,  fifty- 
five  swords  being  in  line,  and  the  Rev.  Albert  J.  Steelman 
delivered  the  sermon,  which  was  duly  appreciated  by  the 
fraters  of  Ottawa  Commandery. 

The  Commandery  was  inspected  by  Em.  Sir  Hamer 
Hershel  Green,  Grand  Sword  Bearer  of  the  Grand  Com- 
mandery, June  10,  1897,  fifty-seven  swords  being-  in  line. 
Of  this  inspection  he  reported  to  the  Grand  Commander: 

"Em.  Sir  Schoch,  of  Ottawa,  No.  10,  and  the  Eminent 
Commander  of  Blaney,  No.  5,  were  the  only  Commanders 
of  the  Fourth  District  who  took  charge  of  the  lines  pursuant 
to  your  general  orders  and  went  through  the  ceremonies 
of  inspection  as  it  should  he  done.  My  examination  of  No. 
10  was  very  satisfactory  to  myself  in  every  way.  The 
Commandery  abounds  in  fraters  who  possess  every  knight- 
ly quality.  Its  records  and  properties  are  in  good  order, 
and  its  equipments  complete." 

On  July  22,  1897,  Ottawa  Commandery,  with  fifty-two 
swords,  participated  in  the  parade  in  Chicago  on  the  occasion 
of  laving  the  corner  stone  of  the  John  A.  Logan  memorial 
statue. 

February  11,  [897,  1).  McDougall,  James  Milligan  and 
J.  P.  Rodgers  presented  the  following  memorial : 

David  Batch  1:1.1. kr. 
Again   has   the  silent  messenger,   the  dip  of  whose  oar 
is  never  heard,  crossed  the  river  which  separates  time  from 
eternity,  and,  recrossing,  borne  with  Him  the  lifeless  form 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  239 

of  Sir  Knight  David  Batcheller,  esteemed  for  the  purity  of 
his  life,  loved  for  the  generosity  of  his  nature,  and  honored 
for  the  nobility  of  his  character. 

In  business  he  was  the  soul  of  honor.  In  all  the  rela- 
tions of  life  calling  for  the  exercise  of  good  faith,  fidelity 
was  a  ruling  passion. 

His  appreciation  and  observance  of  the  high  teachings 
of  Templar  Masonry  is  evidenced  by  his  constant  attend- 
ance and  faithful  discharge  of  every  duty.  The  gentleness 
of  his  nature  is  marked  by  his  constant  knightly  courtesy 
throughout  years  of  greatly  impaired  health. 

With  all  the  gentleness  of  his  nature  there  was  mingled 
the  courage  of  the  true  knight  as  shown  by  three  years  of 
most  ardent  military  service  in  the  cause  of  home,  country 
and  liberty. 

In  all  the  tender  and  sacred  relations  of  home,  which 
consecrate  the  names  father,  mother,  wife  and  child,  he 
was  a  manly  man.  Indeed,  lie  lived  as  though  having  con- 
stantly in  mind  the  following  touching  and  beautiful  words 
from  the  pen  of  a  gifted  poet: 

A  sacred  burden  in  this  life  ye  bear. 
Look  on  it,  bear  it  solemnly, 
Stand  up  and  walk  beneath  it  steadfastly. 
Fail  not  for  sorrow,  falter  not  for  sin, 
But  onward,  upward,  'til  the  goal  you  win. 

Remembering  our  own  great  loss  we  are  deeply  thought- 
ful of  the  aged  father  and  children,  who  sit  in  the  shadow  of 
a  deeper  sorrow,  and  to  these  we  extend  assurances  of  our 
sympathy. 

EXCERPTA:  The  Christian  Knight  to-day,  as  he  grasps  liis 
sword,  unstained  by  blood,  instantly  reads  the  symbolism  of  the  les- 
sons it  teaches:  "Faith  in  God,  hope  in  immortality,  and  charity 
to  all  mankind."  They  are  the  words  in  our  lessons,  incorporated 
in  our  rituals,  and  especially  adopted  by  our  order.  They  are  our 
jewels.     Let  us  look  at  them  a  moment:     Faith!    Hope!    Charity! 


2_p>  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

I  898. 

The  thirty-sixth  animal  conclave  of  Ottawa  Command- 

ery  was  held  in  their  asylum  December  9,  A.  1).  [897,  A.  (). 
77<>.  when  the  following  officers  were  elected  and  appointed 
for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

Albert    Frederick    Schoch    Commander 

Joseph    Newton   Dunaway    Generalissimo 

1  )ayid  Refior Captain  General 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

Samuel  Hogan  Heidler    Senior  Warden 

Edgar   Eldredge    Junior  Warden 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson    Treasurer 

Clarence   Beeman   Chapman    Recorder 

Richard  Farnsworth    Standard  Bearer 

Paul  Teissedre Sword  Bearer 

Duncan    McDougall     Warder 

Alexander  Hanna    Sentinel 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective 
stations  January  13.  [898,  by  P.  Em.  Sir  Henry  Mayo, 
installing  officer,  assisted  by  Sir  David  Refior,  as  marshal. 

Created:  Irving  Hinton  Trowbridge,  Eugene  Daniel 
Allen.  John  Joseph  Becker,  Sylvanus  Sumner  Thompson. 
Joseph  Allison.  Calvin  Dallas  Philips.  Frederick  L.  Fisher, 
Elmer  E.  Gladfelter,  Henry  Lincoln  Arnold,  Samuel  S. 
Pearson,  Albert  Thomas  Lardin,  Charles  W.  Campbell, 
Robert  Lucien  Smith,  Herbert  Blaker  McKahin,  William 
Dyer  Fullerton,  Edward  Webster  Bach  and  Elnathan  Pierce 
Ha  the  way. 

Affiliated:     Charles  C.  Strong. 

Demitted:  Walter  Bogart  Wignal,  James  Morris  and 
Cairo  Darius  Trimble. 

Died:      Robert   Courtney   Myer, 

December   25,    1897,     Ottawa    Commandery    observed 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  24 1 

Christmas  in  their  asylum  in  accordance  with  the  Templar 
ritual,  thirty-five  swords  being  in  line.  Riev.  A.  J.  Steelman 
delivered  the  discourse. 

With  the  recording  of  the  Christmas  observance  Sir 
John  Stout  recorded  his  valedictory  as  Recorder  of  Ottawa 
Commandery,  which  we  herewith  append  : 

"Sir  Knights :  With  the  above  record — Christmas  ob- 
servance— my  term  of  office  as  Recorder  ends.  I  thank 
you,  one  and  all,  for  the  courteous  treatment  I  have  re- 
ceived from  your  hands.  May  the  Lord  bless  thee;  may 
the  Lord  make  his  face  shine  upon  thee,  and  be  gracious  un- 
to thee;  may  the  Lord  lift  up  his  counteance  upon  thee  and 
give  thee  peace.  ( Signed )  JOHN   STOUT." 

April  11,  1898,  Easter  service  was  observed  in  the  asy- 
lum by  Ottawra  Commandery.  There  was  a  large  attend- 
ance of  Masons  and  Templars  and  their  families  and  friends 
besides  the  sixty-eight  swords  in  line.  The  address  was 
delivered  by  the  Rev.  J.  T.  Ladd.  The  Knights  Templar 
Easter  service  was  used. 

Ottawa  Commandery  was  inspected  May  i-\  [898,  by 
Sir  Bates  Iott,  Deputy  Grand  Captain  General  of  the  Grand 
Commandery,  and  sixty-seven  swords  were  in  line.  The 
Order  of  the  Temple  was  conferred. 

Ascension  day  was  observed  by  Ottawa  Commandery  in 
their  asylum,  forty-four  swords  being  in  line.  Address  was 
delivered  by  the  Rev.  J.  T.  Ladd.  Templar  service  was 
observed. 

Memorial — Robert  Courtney  Myer. 

Once  more  has  the  grim  messenger  of  death  knocked 
at  the  door  of  our  asylum  and  called  from  thence  a  be- 
loved frater. 

Robert  Courtney  Myer  has  entered  into  rest.  He  was 
born  in  Morgantown,  W.  Va.,  April  21,  L830.  Was  created 
a  knight  of  the  illustrious  Order  of  the   Red   Cross  Mav 


2  [2  111  E  KNIGHTS  TEM  PLAR, 

14,  1891,  and  dubbed  and  created  a  knight  of  die  valiant 
and  magnanimous  Order  of  Knights  Templar  and  Knight 
of  Malta  of  the  Order  of  St.  John  of  Jerusalem  January 
11,   [891 . 

Life  is  all  a  mist  in  whose  shadows  we  meet  our  fortune. 
lie  lias  emerged  from  the  mists. 

His  spirit  has  passed  the  confines  of  that  mysterious  land, 
From  the  darkness  of  night  to  the  brightness  of  day; 

To  dwell  in  that  Temple  not  made  with  hands, 
Leaving  the  frail  casket  of  the  soul  to  decay. 

— C.  B.  Chapman,  Recorder. 

I  Read  at  burial  services.  Templar  funeral,  May  5,  1898. 1 

EXCERPTA:  Let  us  not  linger  around  the  days  of  ancient 
chivalry  for  character  or  commendation,  but  be  up  and  doing,  im- 
proving the  time,  not  wholly  forgetting  those  things  that  are  be- 
hind, but  pressing  forward  to  the  prize  of  our  high  calling,  a  prize 
no  less  than  a  crown  of  immortality,  and  which  will  be  given  to 
those  only  who  are  faithful  unto  death. 


1899. 
The   thirty-seventh    annual   conclave   of   Ottawa    Com- 
manderv  was  held  in  their  asylum  December  8,  A.  D.  1898, 
A.  O.  780,  when  the  following  officers  were  elected  and  ap- 
pointed for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

Albert    Frederick    Schoch    Commander 

Joseph  Newton  Dunaway Generalissimo 

David  Refior Captain  General 

Samuel  Hogan  Heidler Senior  Warden 

Edgar   Eldredge    Junior   Warden 

Walter  Briggs  Titus    Prelate 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson   Treasurer 

Clarence  Beeman  Chapman    Recorder 

Herbert  Blaker  McKahin   Standard  Hearer 

Albert  Thomas  Lardin Sword  Bearer 

William   Dyer  Fullerton    Warder 

Alexander  Hanna    Sentinel 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY,  243 

The  above  officers  were  installed  into  their  respective 
stations  January  26,  1899,  by  P.  Em.  Sir  Henry  Mayo,  in- 
stalling officer,  assisted  by  Sir  Frederick  L.  Fischer,  as  mar- 
shal. 

Created:  Clarence  Edward  Tryon,  Christian  Gasser 
and  Jonathan  Montgomery  Ferrell. 

Reinstated:     Austin  J.  Bell. 

D emitted:  Charles  E,  Harman,  Henry  Sanson,  John 
L.  Barber,  Austin  J.  Bell,  Samuel  Hogan  Heidler  and 
Christian  Suppes. 

Died:     Edward  Charles  Modes. 

Christmas  day  was  observed  by  Ottawa  Commandery 
with  apprepriate  services  in  the  asylum  of  the  Command- 
ery.    Forty-one  Sir  Knights  participated. 

Easter  Sunday  was  observed  by  Ottawa  Commandery 
attending  divine  services  at  the  First  M.  E.  Church.  Forty- 
eight  Sir  Knights  were  in  attendance. 

The  Commandery  was  inspected  May  25,  1899,  by  Em. 
Sir  Charles  P.  Kane,  Grand  Generalissimo  of  the  Grand 
Commandery.  The  record  of  Ottawa  Commandery  re- 
mained untarnished.  We  regret  that  the  report  of  the  in- 
spection officer  was  not  published  with  the  proceedings  of 
the  Grand  Commandery. 

Ottawa  Commanderv  was  honored  this  year  by  the 
Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois  in  electing  Em.  Sir  Albert 
F.  Schoch  Grand  Warder  of  the  Grand  Commandery.  He 
was  installed  Grand  Warder  by  special  dispensation  to  R. 
Em.  Sir  John  Fisk  Nash,  Past  Grand  Commander,  Novem- 
ber 9,  1899,  the  ceremonies  taking  place  in  the  asylum  of 
Ottawa  Commandery. 

November  2,  [899,  W.  H.  Higby,  W.  D.  Fullerton  and 
J.   W.   Clegg  presented  the  following  memorial: 

Edward  C.  Modes. 
We  are  again  called  upon  to  record  the  loss  of  one  of 


_'44  T11E  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

our  number  in  the  person  of  Sir  Knight  Edward  Clarke 
Modes,  who  was  summoned  from  his  earthly  home  by  the 
Grand  Commander  of  Heaven  on  the  15th  day  of  March, 
A.  1).   [899,  A.  O.  7S1. 

In  the  departure  of  Sir  Knight  Modes  from  our  ranks 
the  Commandery  feels  that  it  sustains  a  decided  loss,  not 
only  on  account  of  making  our  number  one  less,  hut  also  on 
account  of  the  knightly  and  Christian  character  and  hearing 
of  our  deceased  frater. 

It  is  herein-  recommended  that  these  resolutions  lie 
spread  upon  the  records,  and  that  the  Recorder  notify  the 
family  of  Sir  Knight  Modes  of  this  action  and  express  our 
deep  sorrow  at  the  untimely  end  of  our  esteemed  frater,  and 
extend  our  profoundest  sympathy  in  their  great  hereave- 
ment. 

EXCERPTA:  To  err  is  human,  but  to  deliberately  and  ma- 
liciously err,  to  the  injury  and  pain  of  a  brother,  is  an  offense 
against  chivalric  manhood  and  the  order  of  Templar  Knighthood. 
The  man  who  does  these  things,  with  malice  aforethought,  should 
rend  his  clothes,  and,  putting  on  sackcloth  and  ashes,  from  the 
depths  of  a  broken  and  contrite  spirit,  cry  unto  the  Most  High  for 
forgiveness. 


1900. 
The    thirty-eighth    annual    conclave    of    Ottawa    Com- 
mandery  was  held  Decemher   14.   1899,  when  the  following 
officers  were  elected  and  appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar 
year : 

Joseph  Newton   Dunaway   Commander 

David   Rehor    Generalissimo 

Edgar  Eldredge   Captain  General 

Edward  Webster  Bach Senior  Warden 

William    Dyer    Fullerton    Junior   Warden 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  245 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson Treasurer 

Clarence  Beeman  Chapman    ,  Recorder 

Charles  J.  Yockey Standard  Bearer 

Gustav  Kneussl   Sword  Bearer 

Joshua   P.  Rodgers    Warder 

Alexander  Hanna    Sentinel 

The  above  officers  were  duly  installed  January  11,  1900. 

Created:  Irving  De  Forest  Vincent,  George  A.  Clip- 
per, Edward  A.  Nattinger,  Walter  F.  Weese,  Charles  G. 
Deenis  and  George  Craft  Dunawav. 

Affiliated:  George  W.  Farrar  and  Christopher  J. 
Byrne. 

Died:  Jacob  W.  Moon,  James  Rhoads,  William  H. 
Lukins  and  Clarence  E.  Tryon. 

D emitted:  David  E.  Gardner,  Robert  A.  Brown,  Wil- 
bur F.  Heath,  William  K.  Stewart,  Joseph  A.  Wilson, 
Henry  Smith  and  Frank  Y.  Herbert. 

Suspended:  R'obert  G.  Ewing,  Guy  C.  Carpenter  and 
John  W.  Teetzel. 

The  Commandery  was  inspected  by  Alonzo  St.  Clair 
Wilderman,  Grand  Junior  Warden  of  the  Grand  Command- 
ery. The  occasion  was  made  notable  by  the  presence  of 
R.  Em.  Sir  James  B.  McFatrich,  Grand  Commander,  and 
a  large  delegation  of  Sir  Knights  from  Joliet,  No.  4 :  Everts, 
Xo.  18,  Rock  Island;  St.  Paul,  No.  34,  Fairbury;  Blaney, 
Xo.  5,  Morris;  St.  John's,  No.  26,  Peru;  Bethany,  Xo.  28. 
Mendota;  Englewood,  No.  59,  Chicago;  Aurora,  Xo.  22, 
Aurora,  and  Apollo,  No.  1,  Chicago. 

Of  this  occasion  the  Grand  Commander  reported  in  his 
address  to  the  Grand  Commandery  at  the  annual  conclave 
in  1900 : 

"On  the  25th  day  of  January,  with  Em.  Sir  A.  S.  Wild- 
erman, Eminent  Grand  Junior  Warden,  it  was  my  pleasure 


_>4<>  I'll  E   KNIGHTS    TI'.M  PLAR, 

to  visit  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  id,  located  at  Ottawa. 
111.,  for  the  purpose  of  holding  an  official  inspection  and  a 
regular  school  of  instruction  for  the  benefit  of  the  Sir 
Knights  and  Commanderies  of  the  Fourth  District.  At 
[oliet  I  was  tendered  an  escort  for  forty-three  swords  from 
joliet  Gommandery,  No.  4.  under  the  command  of  ham 
Sir  W.  il.  Xevens.  and  1  desire  to  acknowledge  my  appre- 
ciation of  this  courtesy.  The  day  and  evening  were  spent 
in  a  very  profitable  way.  The  work  was  exemplified  by 
Em.  Sir  Dunaway  (the  veritable  Darius)  and  his  efficient 
officers,  and  the  banquet  in  the  evening,  at  which  fully  300 
were  seated,  closed  at  an  early  hour  in  the  morning.  Every 
Commandery  in  the  district  was  represented.'* 

Easter  service  was  observed  by  the  Commandery  in  at- 
tending" services  at  the  First  Presbyterian  Church.  Forty- 
nine  swords  were  in  line. 

Ascension  day  service  was  attended  by  the  Commandery 
at  Christ  Episcopal  Church  May  27th.  thirty-seven  swords 
being  in  line. 

Memorial — Sir  James  Rhoads,  P.   C. 

The  committee,  consisting  of  Sirs  John  F.  Nash,  Wil- 
liam L.  Milligan  and  Henry  Mayo,  appointed  to  prepare  and 
present  to  the  Commandery  resolutions  of  respect  to  the 
memory  of  Em.  Sir  James  Rhoads.  presented  the  following, 
which  were,  on  motion,  adopted  April  26,  1900.  and  a  copy 
directed  sent  to  Pittsburg  Commandery.  No.  1.  Pittsburg, 
Pa.,  and  an  engrossed  copy  sent  to  the  widow  of  the  de- 
ceased : 

James  Rhoads,  born  March  4.  1823;  knighted  in  Pitts- 
burg Commandery.  No.  1.  March  17,  185 1;  died  at  Otta- 
wa, Til..  April   18.   1900. 

The  passing  of  P.  Em.  Commander  Sir  James  Rhoads 
closes  the  first  chapter  of  the  history  of  Ottawa  Command- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  247 

ery,  No.  io,  Knights  Templar.  Our  beloved  frater  was 
the  last  survivor  of  the  nine  valiant  and  magnanimous 
knights  to  whom  the  dispensation  to  form  and  open  a  Com- 
mandery of  Knights  Templar  at  Ottawa,  Illinois,  was  issued 
February  i,  1861. 

While  we  tearfully  note  the  fact  that  upon  his  venerable 
head  glistened  the  frosts  of  more  than  three-quarters  of  a 
century,  and  that  lie  was  exempt  from  the  trials  of  our  com- 
mon humanity,  let  us  dry  our  eyes  in  the  genial  warmth  of 
that  radiance  which  has  produced  the  blessings  of  each  suc- 
ceeding season,  and  let  us  discern  in  the  sweet  memories 
by  which  his  name  is  enwreathed,  the  fragrance  which  im- 
perceptibly distils  upon  the  willing  and  obedient  of  all  God's 
creation. 

Brownsville,  Pa.,  on  the  hanks  of  the  beautiful  Monon- 
gahela  river,  his  birthplace,  saw  the  development  of  that 
character,  which,  in  later  life,  had  won  for  him  the  respect, 
esteem  and  confidence  of  his  fellowmen. 

He  removed  to  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  while  yet  a  young  man, 
and  in  1856  came  West  and  located  at  Ottawa.  Illinois. 

He  was  created  a  Knights  Templar  in  Pittsburg  Com- 
mandery, No.  I,  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  March  17,  185 1,  and  was 
one  of  nine  Sir  Knights  to  whom  a  dispensation  was  granted 
to  form  a  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar  at  Ottawa,  111., 
and  was  the  first  Sir  Knight  elected  (under  charter)  to 
preside  over  the  deliberations  and  confer  the  orders  of 
Christian  Knighthood  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  Xo.  10. 

Ottawa  Commander}-  has  never  had  within  her  ranks  a 
more  venerable,  or  a  more  worthy  or  beloved  member,  whose 
patient  fidelity  to  his  every  obligation  was  as  a  bright  and 
shining  light  upon  the  path  of  our  duties — an  example  to 
follow  which  would  bring  honor  upon  us  all. 

With  a  clear  head  and  a  warm  heart,  he  had  the  courage 
of  his  convictions.     Reared  a  Quaker,  he  believed  in  God, 


2  J.8  'I'll  E  KNIGHTS  TKM  PLAR, 

to  whom  to  pray  is  not  foolishness,  and  when  the  pale  reaper 
came  with  his  sickle,  he  so  gently  and  imperceptibly  drew 
around  our  beloved  frater  the  mantle  of  dreamless  slumbers 
that  the  gulden  dream  of  an  endless  morning  glowed  with 
the  beauteous  eyes  of  the  spring's  fair  night  upon  the  soft 
green  grass  and  smiling  gardens,  while  yet  the  mub^tars 
were  reflected  in  the  tears  of  those  gathered  about  the  cast 
of  earthly  husk. 

We  have  uttered  the  last  farewell  to  the  frater.  hus- 
band, father  and  friend.  In  all  the  duties  which  grow  out 
of  a  blameless  citizenship  we  have  delighted  to  honor  him, 
and  now  write  upon  our  records  the  departure  of  our  be- 
loved frater,  so  that  in  a  becoming  manner  we  may  make  a 
testament  of  our  appreciation  of  his  worth  and  extend  to 
his  bereaved  family  our  sympathy  and  condolence.  There- 
fore, be  it, 

Resolved,  That  we  recognize  our  frater's  life  as  a  con- 
stant expression  of  manly  virtues  and  of  faithful  perform- 
ance of  all  human  obligations ;  that  we  recall  with  affection 
his  frank  disposition,  his  honesty  of  purpose,  the  sincerity 
of  his  covenant,  the  gentleness  of  his  love,  the  strength  of 
his  attachments:  that  while  we  mourn  our  loss  we  part  with 
our  frater  in  full  confidence  in  the  ineffable  goodness  of 
Deity  and  in  perfect  assurance  of  our  faith  in  the  immor- 
tality of  the  soul;  and  that  we  look  forward  to  the  time 
when  we  shall  all  be  raised  from  the  prostrate  state  in  which 
we  are  by  nature,  and  admitted  to  the  glory  of  the  perfect 
Asylum  above. 

Memorial — William  H.  Lukixs. 
The  committee,  consisting  of  Sirs  E.  H.  Bailey,  H.  L. 
Manley  and  Samuel  McFeeley.  on  memorial  resolutions  to 
the  memory  of  Sir  William  H.  Lnkins,  presented  same  and 
was  approved  by  Ottawa  Commandery,  Xo.  10.  July  26, 
1900,  as  follows: 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  249 

William  H.  Lnkins  joined  Streator  Lodge,  No.  607,  by 
affiliation  from  Meriden  Lodge,  No.  183,  June  7.  1874;  was 
made  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  in  Streator  Chapter.  No.  168, 
and  took  the  Knights  Templar  Orders  in  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery,  No.  10,  July  15,  1886,  of  which  the  deceased  was 
a  memher  at  the  time  of  his  death. 

Almost  without  warning  the  life  of  our  brother  is 
eclipsed,  the  shadow  of  the  enemy  of  humanity  fallen 
athwart  our  pathway,  and  the  certainty  of  death  and  the 
uncertainty  of  life  forced  upon  us.  How  sad  the  contem- 
plation of  existence.  We  are  born,  we  breathe,  we  mourn, 
and  we  die.  Whence  we  come,  what  we  are  and  whither 
we  go  seems  surrounded  for  ages  in  the  cheerless  words, 
earth  to  earth  and  dust  to  dust.  The  men  of  strong  char- 
acter and  the  characterless  find  the  tomb.  The  former  put 
their  trust  in  God,  hoping  the  strong  hand  of  Judah's  lion 
will  prevail  to  exalt  them  to  the  companionship  of  that  indis- 
soluble lodge,  when  the  design  on  the  trestle  board  will  he 
seen  complete,  and  may  such  be  the  lot  of  our  brother,  whose 
traits  of  character  made  him  a  kind  father  and  husband,  a 
firm  advocate  of  the  right  as  he  saw  the  right;  a  man  of 
sterling  worth  and  strict  integrity,  an  agreeable  companion 
and  a  friend  of  the  needy.  Thus  survives  a  virtue  outliving 
what  earth  held  more  previous.  Let  us  imitate  his  virtues, 
and,  like  wise  men,  become  stronger  as  we  near  our  eternal 
home.  "As  ships  that  pass  in  the  night,  and  speak  to  each 
other  in  passing;  only  a  look  and  a  voice,  then  darkness 
again  anel  a  silence."  So  only  a  little  while  is  ours  for  sor- 
row or  for  laughter,  and  soon  we  shall  all  stand  on  the 
shore  of  the  hereafter.  So  may  we  live  wrapped  in  virtue's 
draperies  that  at  the  last  we  may  lie  down  as  if  in  pleasant 
dreams. 

Memorial — Sir  Clarence  E.  Tryox. 
At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  July  26, 


25O  I  II  E   KNIGHTS    TI'.M  PLAR, 

[900,    the   committee,   consisting  of   Sirs   James    Milligan, 

S.  G.  ( ray  and  C.  S.  Beckwith,  appointed  to  prepare  and 
present  resolutions  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  Sir  Clar- 
ence E.  Tryon,  presented  their  report,  which  was  approved 
and  ordered  recorded  and  a  copy  thereof  transmitted  to  the 
family  of  the  deceased. 

Your  committee  on  obituary  resolutions  reports  as  fol- 
lows : 

Whereas.  It  has  pleased  our  Heavenly  Father,  the  Su- 
preme Architect  of  the  Universe,  to  remove  from  our  ranks 
here  below  our  highly  esteemed  and  beloved  companion.  Sir 
Knight  Clarence  E.  Tryon,  with  whom  many  of  us  have 
been  closely  associated  and  united  by  the  strongest  ties  of 
love  and  friendship. 

Resolved,  That  in  his  death  this  Commandery  is  called 
to  mourn  the  loss  of  one  whom  it  was  pleasant  to  meet  and 
have  with  us,  a  brother  of  the  strictest  integrity  and  most 
unselfish  devotion. 

Resolved,  That  we  tender  our  sympathy  and  condolences 
to  his  family  and  loved  ones  with  the  firm  belief  that  He 
who  tempers  the  winds  to  the  shorn  lamb  will  hind  up  the 
wounds  of  the  stricken  hearts  and  that  His  love  will  dispel 
the  dark  clouds  and  bring  light  out  of  darkness. 

Resolved,  That  this  report  he  spread  upon  our  records 
and  a  copy  sent  to  his  family. 

EXCERPTA:  There  are  too  many  Free  Masons  to-day  who  are 
only  in  name;  who  give  to  their  fellowmen  no  better  evidence  of 
Masonic  character  than  badge,  symbol,  word,  and  these  are  really 
no  evidence  whatever.  Too  many  there  are  who  wear  the  uni- 
form, the  badge,  the  sword,  the  plume,  and  yet  have  never  tasted 
of  the  fountain  of  its  living  waters.  We  need  schools  of  Masonry. 
We  need  symbols,  badges  and  Masonic  temples,  but  most  of 
all  we  need  Masons,  students  of  Free  Masonry — men  who  are  not 
only  able  to  find  their  way  into  these  temples  built  by  hands,  but 
who  are  able  to  find  their  way  into  the  human  heart — the  true 
temple;  men  who  by  good  deeds  and  kindly  lives  are  continually 
giving  the  Masonic  sign  that  they  are  dwellers  in  that  temple 
whose  builder  and  maker  is  the  Great   Architect  of  the  Universe. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  25  I 

1 90 1. 

The  thirty-ninth  animal  conclave  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery.  No.  10,  was  held  December  13,  1901,  when  the 
following'  officers  were  elected  and  appointed  for  the  en- 
suing Templar  rear : 

Joseph    Newton    Dunaway    Commander 

David   Refior    Generalissimo 

Edgar   Eldredge Captain   General 

Edward  Webster  Each Senior  Warden 

Herbert  Blaker  McKahin   Junior  Warden 

Walter  Briggs   Titus    Prelate 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson   Treasurer 

Robert  Lucien  Smith Recorder 

Irving  De  Forest  Vincent Standard  Bearer 

Walter  F.  Weese Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.  Rodgers Warder 

Christian   Gasser    Sentinel 

The  above  officers  were  duly  installed  January  10,  1901. 

Created :  Harry  Gilman  Cook,  Frederick  A.  Hatheway, 
Enos  E.  Palmer,  William  D.  Duncan,  Enoch  Yentzer, 
Frederick  E.  Mills,  Philo  C.  Weaver,  John  A.  Jamison. 
John  Bergeson,  William  G.  Killelea,  Albert  E.  Butters,  Clar- 
ence C.  Glover,  Charles  L,  Belrose  and  George  M.  Trimble. 

Demitted:     Ruffin  D.  Fletcher. 

Suspended :     Charles  Schaulin. 

Died:     George  A.  Wilmarth  and  Edgar  Goodrich  Dyer. 

The  Commander}-  attended  Easter  service  at  the  Con- 
gregational Church,  at  Marseilles.  111.,  fifty-six  swords  be- 
ing in  line. 

Memorial — Sir  George  A.  Wilmarth. 
At  a  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held  Sep- 
tember 26,   190T,  the  committee  appointed  to  present  reso- 
lutions of   respect  to  the  memory  of   Sir   George   A.   Wil- 


252  Tl!  E    Is  NIGHTS   TKM  PLAR, 

marth,  consisting  of  Sirs  Al.  F\  Schoch,  J.  F.  Nash  and  II. 
Mayo,  presented  same  to  the  Commandery,  and,  after  read- 
ing, they  were  ordered  spread  upon  the  records  and  a  copy 
transmitted  to  the  family  of  the  deceased. 

Death  has  once  more  entered  the  ranks  of  our  Com- 
mandery. Another  of  our  illustrious  fraters  has  laid  down 
his  armor,  sheathed  his  sword,  responded  to  the  call  of  our 
Great  Commander  and  gone  to  a  resting  place  from  whence 
there  is  no  return. 

In  the  death  of  Sir  Knight  George  A.  Wilmarth  Ottawa 
Commandery  laments  the  loss  of  one  who  was  loyal  to  the 
sublime  teachings  of  our  noble  order,  ever  ready  to  extend 
the  hand  of  aid  and  the  voice  of  sympathy  to  the  dis- 
tressed of  our  order. 

As  a  citizen  he  was  worthy  of  our  respect  and  regard. 
His  upright  life  was  a  shining  example,  and  his  utmost  en- 
deavors were  extended  for  the  welfare  of  his  fellowmen. 

To  the  bereaved  family,  in  this  sad  hour,  we  extend 
our  sympathy,  and  commend  them  to  Him,  the  giver  of  all, 
who  is  the  only  comfort  in  sorrow  and  affliction. 

Resolved,  That  this  testimonial  of  our  sympathy  and 
sorrow  be  spread  on  the  records  of  the  Commandery,  and 
a  copv  be  forwarded  to  the  family  of  our  deceased  frater. 

EXCERPTA:  Templarism  lights  its  taper  at  the  altar  of  Im- 
manuel,  God  with  us.  Blow  out  that  taper  and  it  becomes  a  painted 
sepulcher — a  fantastical  mummery — and  we  are  all  here  acting  a 
ghostly  farce.  As  the  allies  of  the  Church,  as  the  soldiers  of  the 
Cross,  we  are  called  on,  as  never  before,  by  our  courage  and  de- 
votion, by  precept  and  example,  to  show  that  Christianity  is  a 
divine,  a  regenerating  force  that  has  come  into  the  world,  and  while 
it  has  filled  the  ages  with  its  aroma,  has  not  yet  accomplished  its 
greatest  work. 


1 90 1 -2. 

The   fortieth  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa   Commandery 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  253 

was  held  June   13,   1901,  when  the  following  officers  were 
elected  and  appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar . year : 

Joseph   Newton   Dunaway    Commander 

Albert   Frederick   Schoch    Generalissimo 

Edgar   Eldredge    Captain   General 

Edward  Webster  Bach   Senior  Warden 

Herbert  Blaker  McKahin   Junior  Warden 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

Theodore    Cunningham    Gibson    Treasurer 

Robert  Lucien  Smith    Recorder 

Irving  De  Forest  Vincent   Standard  Bearer 

Wralter  F.  Weese Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.   Rodgers    Warder 

Christian  Gasser Sentinel 

The  above  officers  were  duly  installed  June  20,  1901. 

Created:  Orion  W.  Howe,  Charles  H.  Williams,  Hugh 
Hall,  George  H.  Haight,  Milton  C.  Pirkey,  Eric  Larson, 
Edward  A.  Graves,  Herbert  C.  Wiley,  Thomas  W.  Bur- 
rows, Charles  R.  Schurman,  George  H.  Ahlborn,  Robert  S. 
Scharfenberg,  Isaac  F.  Echard,  John  X.  Neilson,  Samuel  E. 
Bergeson  and  William  H.  Jennings. 

Demitted:  John  C.  Pirkey,  Winlield  Scott  Hinkson 
and  Lou  H.  Miller. 

Suspended :  Joseph  W.  Bird,  James  Stewart,  Abram 
C.  Godfrey  and  Warren  C.  Riale. 

Died:  Edgar  G.  Dyer,  Royal  D.  McDonald  and  Israel 
C.  Cope. 

At  the  annual  conclave  of  the  Grand  Commandery  of 
Illinois  in  190O'  paragraph  3,  section  17,  of  the  Statutes  and 
Regulations  of  the  Grand  Commander)-  was  amended  to 
change  the  date  of  annual  conclaves  of  subordinate  Com- 
manderies  from  the  first  stated  conclave  in  December  to 
the  first  stated  conclave  in  June  each  year. 

Since  this  change  we  designate,  in  the  History  of  Ottawa 


_'5  )  IN  I'-    KNIGHTS   TEM  I'l.AR, 

Commandery,  a  Templar  year  by  a  combination  of  parts 
nf  two  years,  thus:  [goi-2,  indicating  one  year,  and  only 
one  year's  service  of  an  office-bearer.  Prior  to  i<)oi  such  a 
combination,  say  [886-7,  indicates  two  years'  service  as 
office  bearer,  because  the  Templar  year  then  began  at  the 
first  stated  conclave  in  December. 

September  10.  [901,  Ottawa  Commandery  attended  the 
memorial  services,  held  in  the  opera  house,  in  memory  of 
the  President  of  the  United  States,  William  McKinley. 
Fifty  swords  were  in  line.  Twenty-six  Sir  Knights  also 
attended  the  McKinley  memorial  services  held  in  the  Episco- 
pal church  September  J  J,   10,01. 

The  Commandery  was  inspected  February  29,  1902,  by 
Em.  Sir  William  L.  Gross,  Grand  Sword  Bearer.  Forty- 
eight  swords  were  inspected. 

Ottawa  Commandery  attended  Easter  service  at  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  at  Streator,  111.,  March  30. 
1902.  Eighty-three  swords  were  in  line.  A  special  train 
over  the  C,  B.  &  O.  conveyed  the  Commandery  to  Streator 
and  return. 

Memorial — Sir  Edgar  Goodrich  Dyer! 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery.  held 
November  14.  1901,  the  committee  on  resolutions  of  re- 
spect to  the  memory  of  Sir  Edgar  Goodrich  Dyer,  consist- 
ing of  Sirs  Harry  G.  Cook,  Edgar  Eldredge,  and  Dr.  John 
Bergeson,  presented  same,  which  were  read  in  open  Com- 
mandery and  ordered  spread  upon  the  records  and  a  copy 
transmitted  to  the  family  of  the  deceased. 

Sir  Edgar  Goodrich  Dyer  was  horn  in  Ottawa,  Illinois, 
March  29,  [866.  After  completing  his  course  in  the  Ot- 
tawa public  schools  he  took  up  the  study  of  law,  and  was 
admitted  to  practice  and  became  a  member  oi  the  1  .a  Salle 
county  l>ar,  continuing  the  practice  of  his  chosen  profession 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  255 

until  obliged  to  go  to  California  on  account  of  poor  health, 
locating  at  Palo  Alto,  Cal.  He  again  took  up  his  profes- 
sion, and  on  the  19th  day  of  August,  A.  D.  1901,  departed 
this  life,  leaving  surviving  him  his  mother  and  sister. 

His  remains  were  brought  to  Ottawa,  and  interment 
took  place  in  the  Ottawa  Avenue  cemetery  August  26,  1901. 

Sir  Edgar  Goodrich  Dyer  was  initiated  into  Occidental 
Lodge,  No.  40,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Ottawa,  111.,  May  9,  1892; 
passed  June  27,  1892,  and  raised  September  12,  1892.  He 
was  a  member  of  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37,  R.  A.  M.,  and 
Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  K.  T. 

In  deep  sorrow  for  the  loss  of  our  dear  frater,  and  in 
token  of  our  love  and  high  respect  for  his  memory,  let  this 
memento  be  read  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  at  a 
regular  meeting  of  said  Commandery,  and  also  spread  upon 
the  records  thereof,  and  it  is  directed  that  the  Recorder  be 
ordered  to  send  a  copy  hereof  to  the  family. 

EXCERPTA:  The  modern  Order  of  Knights  Templar  has  great 
and  precious  truths  interwoven  in  its  system,  and  made  prominent 
in  its  ceremonies.  Its  purposes  are  noble  and  far-reaching,  and 
its  ministries  are  of  an  exalted  and  beneficent  character.  It  has 
lived  long  enough  to  show  some  accomplishments  in  the  way  of 
a  worthy  service,  whereby  it  justifies  its  right  to  a  place  among 
the  helpful  institutions  of  the  present  day.  It  has  lifted  some 
burdens,  brightened  some  paths,  quickened  some  hearts  with  more 
faith,  and  moved  them  to  a  stronger  sense  of  duty.  It  has  pointed 
to  the  Cross  and  empty  tomb  in  its  impressive  enforcement  of 
the  truths  that  are  connected  with  man's  redemption  from  sin  and 
his  immortal  being.  As  in  the  past,  so  now,  it  stands  for  most 
sacred  principles,  for  most  blessed  work,  and  demands  the  love, 
^yalty  and  true  service  of  all  who  bear  the  Templar  name. 


1902-3. 

The   forty-first  annual   conclave   of  Ottawa   Command 

ery   was  held  June   12,    1902,   when   the   following  officers 

were  elected  and  appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

Edgar  Eldredge    Commander 


PAST  EMINENT  COMMANDERS. 
Edgar  Gldredge,  1902  Henry  L.  Arnold,  1903-4 

Herbert   B.  MeKahin,  1905. 
Irving  D.  Vincent,  1906  William  D.  Fullerton,  1907 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  257 

Henry  Lincoln  Arnold    Generalissimo 

Herbert  Blaker  McKahin   Captain  General 

Irving-  De  Forest  Vincent   Senior  Warden 

George  Craft  Dunaway   Junior  Warden 

Rev.  George  W.  Farrar Prelate 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson    Treasurer 

Robert  Lucien  Smith   Recorder 

Paul   Teissedre    Standard  Bearer 

Frederick  L.  Fischer Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.   Rodgers    Warder 

Leman  A.   Rising    Sentinel 

The  above  officers  were  duly  installed  July  10,  1902. 

Created:  George  F.  Bliss,  Joseph  P.  Gatiss,  Charles 
Hahn,  George  P.  Hills,  George  J.  Kruse,  Charles  T.  Row- 
land, Rezin  N.  Thompson,  Philip  J.  Wendel,  Charles  A. 
Wiley  and  James  R.  Williams. 

D  en  liit  erf:  George  W.  Farrar,  Timothy  E.  Gapen  and 
George  M.  Rigden. 

Suspended:  Andrew  H.  Angell,  Ebenezer  Barber, 
Charles  E.  Dunbar,  Edward  C.  Lewis,  Christian  C.  Modes, 
Samuel  Smith.,  Thomas  C.  Tridel  and  Alonzo  P.  Wright. 

Pied:     Charles  J.  Yockev. 

September  11,  1902,  at  a  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa 
Commandery  Em.  Sir  Schoch,  on  behalf  of  the  Command- 
en-,  presented  Em.  Sir  Joseph  Newton  Dunaway,  the  re- 
tiring Commander,  in  a  few  well  chosen  remarks,  a  beauti- 
ful Past  Commander's  jewel.  Em.  Sir  Dunaway  responded 
in  his  usual  captivating  language. 

The  Commandery  was  inspected  March  5,  1903,  by  Em. 
Sir  Harry  H.  Cleaveland,  Grand  Warder  of  the  Grand 
Commandery.     Sixty-eight  swords  were  inspected. 

Easter  was  observed  by  Ottawa  Commandery  attending 
divine  service  at  the  Congregational  church.  Forty-five 
swords  were  in  line. 


258  I'll  E    K  N  IGHTS    TEM  PLAR, 

Testimonial  to  Sir  Alexander  Hanna. 

The  following  tribute  to  Sir  Alexander  Manna  was 
offered  by  Em.  Sir  Edgar  Eldredge  and  approved  by  the 
( '( immandery  July  10,  1902  : 

Whereas.  Alexander  Hanna  has  for  the  past  fifteen  years 
been  Sentinel  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10.  and  during 
which  time  he  has  faithfully  performed  the  duties  of  said 
1  ►ffice  :  and. 

\\  hereas,  Advancing  years  and  ill-health  prevent  him 
from  further  performing  all  the  burdensome  duties  pertain- 
ing' to  such  office ;  therefore,  lie  it 

Resolved,  That  in  appreciation  of  his  faithfulness  in  the 
past  and  our  esteem  for  him  as  a  Knights  Templar,  that 
Ottawa  Commandery  pay  him  the  sum  of  twenty-five  dollars 
($25.00)  a  year  until  further  order  of  the  Commandery. 

The  above  was  a  worthy  tribute  to  a  worthy  frater  who 
had  long  been  an  enthusiastic  member  of  the  Masonic  lxxlies 
in  Ottawa.  One  bouquet  in  life  is  worth  a  whole  flower 
garden  after  death. 

EXCERPTA:  The  romance  of  the  Crusades  does  not  belong  to 
our  experiences,  nor  are  we  called  upon  to  take  upon  ourselves 
the  burdens  and  risks  of  the  knights  of  the  middle  ages.  We  need, 
however,  that  same  quality  of  life  which  adds  lustre  to  the  charac- 
ter of  the  historic  Templars.  We  need  that  same  enthusiasm  of 
faith  and  high  resolve  which  they  illustrated  in  so  conspicuous  a 
manner.  We  need  to  look  where  they  looked,  to  the  glorified 
Cross,  for  inspiration  and  strength.  By  this  sign  of  Calvary  we 
may  be  best  directed  and  blessed.  By  it  we  may  go  forth  as  true 
followers  of  our  crucified,  yet  victorious,  Lord,  making  our  lives 
of  service  to  humanity  here  and  thus  having  our  souls  drawn 
toward  God  and  Heaven.  By  this  sign  we  may  conquer  and  win 
life's  grandest   victories! 


KJO3-4. 
The  forty-second  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Command- 
ery was  held  June  1  1,  [903,  when  the  following  officers  were 
elected  and  appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  259 

Henry  Lincoln  Arnold Commander 

Herbert  Blaker  McKahin    Generalissimo 

Irving  De  Forest  Vincent    Captain  General 

William  Herbert  Higbv   Senior  Warden 

George  Craft  Dunaway    Junior  Warden 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson Treasurer 

Robert  Lucien  Smith    Recorder 

George  Henry  Ahlborn    Standard  Bearer 

John  Neil  Neilson   Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.  Rodgers Warder 

Leman  Aranah  Rising Sentinel 

The  above  officers  were  duly  installed  June  25,  1903. 

Created:  La  Rue  Perene  Shaver,  William  Beighel  My- 
ers, Samuel  Wallace  Reynolds,  Everett  Henry  Butterfield, 
Peter  McGilvary  Campbell,  Martin  Luther  Sample,  Wil- 
liam Harper  Rollo,  Charles  Geiger,  Paul  Raymond  Chub- 
buck,  Walter  Link  Ross,  Charles  Joseph  Metzger  and  Carl 
Joseph  Metzger. 

Affiliated:  Robert  Joseph  Reid  and  John  George 
Waters. 

Reinstated :  Samuel  Smith,  Charles  Christian  Modes, 
Ebenezer  Barber  and  John  D.  Hammond. 

Demitted:  William  Emory  Bowman,  John  D.  Ham- 
mond, Albert  Henry  Hatton,  Charles  Bronson  Anderson 
and  Hans  Gulbronson. 

Died:  Calvin  Dallas  Phillips,  Edward  Augustus  Nat- 
tinger,  John  Purrucker,  Ezekiel  Howland  and  Julius  Antone 
Freeman. 

June  11.  1903,  annual  conclave.  Em.  Sir  J.  N.  Duna- 
way, on  behalf  of  the  Commander)-,  presented  P.  Em.  Sir 
Edgar  Eldredge,  in  well  chosen  remarks,  a  beautiful  gold 
watch  as  a  testimonial  of  the  esteem  and  regard  he  is  held 
bv  his  fraters. 


_'I:m  TJ I  E    KNIGHTS   TEM  PLAR, 

The  Commandery  attended  the  forty-seventh  annual  con- 
clave of  the  Grand  Commandery  in  I 'curia,  September  i, 
1903.    Forty-six  swords  were  represented. 

The  Commandery  was  inspected  February  iS,  1904,  by 
Em.  Sir  Arthur  Melvin  Otman,  Fiji.  Grand  Warder.  The 
Commandery  presented  sixty-five  swords  for  inspection. 
This  inspection  was  made  auspicious  by  the  presence  of  three 
officers  of  the  Grand  Commandery  and  fifteen  swords  from 
Rock  Island  Commandery,  No.  18,  Rock  Island,  Illinois. 

Easter  was  observed  by  the  Commandery  attending-  di- 
vine service  at  the  Baptist  church  with  fifty-four  swords  in 
line. 

EXCERPTA:  When  we  think  of  the  sublime  fortitude  with 
which  the  Man  of  Sorrows  bore  the  relentless  persecution  of  his 
enemies,  and,  at  the  last,  endured  the  most  exquisite  suffering,  not 
for  himself,  but  in  our  behalf,  the  profoundest  depths  of  our  nature 
are  stirred,  and  we  respond  to  the  call  made  upon  us  by  saying, 
from  the  innermost  recesses  of  our  hearts,  "I  believe  in  God  the 
Father,  God  the  Son,  and  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  three  persons  in  one 
God,  the  same  in  substance,  equal  in  power  and  glory." 


1904-5. 
The  forty-third  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery 
was  held   June  9,    1904,   when   the  following  officers   were 
elected  and  appointed  for  the  ensuing-  Templar  year: 

Henry  Lincoln  Arnold   Commander 

Herbert  Blaker  McKahin   Generalissimo 

Irving  De  Forest  Vincent Captain  General 

William  Dyer  Fullerton   Senior  Warden 

George  Craft  Dunaway junior  Warden 

Walter  P.riggs  Titus Prelate 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson    \  reasurer 

Robert  Lucien  Smith  Recorder 

Philip  J.  Wendel    Standard  Bearer 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  26l 

John  Neil  Neilson Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.  Rodgers Warder 

Joseph  Adams  Wilson    Sentinel 

The  above  were  duly  installed  June  23,  1904. 

Created:  Albert  J.  Roberts,  Howard  H.  Bayne,  Albert 
E.  Herzog,  Charles  C.  Brooker,  James  T.  Applegate,  Rich- 
ard J.  Howells,  Byron  A.  Roath,  Louis  L.  Bennion,  Ben- 
jamin  Frankdin  Trumbo,  Samuel  B.  Bradford,  Albert  A. 
Dean,  .Frank  F.  Follett,  Jesse  W.  Carr  and  Louis  Go-wen. 

Affiliated:     John  C.  Pirkey  and  Joseph  A.  Wilson. 

Demitted:     Foster  H.  McKenney. 

Died:  Edward  A.  Graves,  Daniel  C.  Mills,  John  R. 
Cameron  and  Douglas  Hapeman. 

Ottawa  Commandery  enjoyed  a  very  successful  year. 
The  work  was  up  to  the  usual  high  class  maintained  by  Ot- 
tawa Commandery  since  its  organization  in  1861.  Sir 
Arnold  is  to  be  congratulated  for  the  efficiency  of  his 
stewardship  over  Ottawa  Commandery. 

Ottawa  Commandery  attended  Easter  service  at  the  M. 
E.  Church  on  Sunday,  April  23,  1905,  with  fifty-four  swords 
in  line. 

The  Commandery  was  inspected  May  [8,  1005,  by  R. 
Em.  Sir  John  Durham  Cleveland,  Grand  Junior  Warden  of 
the  Grand  Commandery.  Xinety-six  swords  were  inspected. 
Twelve  visiting  fraters  were  present. 

Ascension  day  was  observed  by  Ottawa  Commandery 
attending  divine  services  at  Christ  Episcopal  Church  Sun- 
day, June  4,   1905,  with  thirty-seven  swords  in  line. 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  command  of  Sir  Henry 
L.  Arnold,  attended  the  twenty-ninth  triennial  conclave  o\ 
the  Grand  Encampment  of  Knights  Templar  at  San  Fran- 
cisco, California,  in  September,  1904,  and  those  participat- 
ing in  the  pilgrimage  had  a  most  enjoyable  and  interesting 


jf  ,j  Til  E    KNIGHTS    I  KM  l'LAK. 

trip  and  maintained  the  ancient   fame  and  renown  of  Otta- 
wa Commandery. 

The  following  Sir  Knights  made  up  the  Commandery  on 
this  trip:  I.  I*.  Rodgers,  II.  L.  Arnold.  1.  1).  Vincent,  E.  T. 
Read.  J.  \Y.  Clegg,  Al.  F.  Schoch,  W.  D.  Fullerton,  M.  L. 
Sample.  C.  M.  Pool,  Win.  Wilson.  C.  McClnre.  F.  A.  llathe- 
way,  Jas.  Gentleman,  W.  II.  Rollo,  C.  J.  Metzger,  L. 
Rohrer,  Jas.  Sexton,  G.  F.  I>liss.  I'.  A.  Wiley,  C.  A.  Xeu- 
reuther,  T.  H.  Spencer,  L.  P.  Shaver.  R.  V.  De  Groff,  I).  H. 
Slagle,  R.  L.  Smith,  C.  Rohrer  and  L.  Scheidecker.  Twenty- 
five  of  the  above  were  memhers  of  Ottawa  Commandery. 
There  were  also  sixteen  ladies  fair  in  the  party.  After  the 
grand  parade  the  Commandery  hroke  ranks  and  disbanded  as 
a  Commandery,  and  each  individual  returned  home  when 
and  In-  whichever  route  he  chose. 

Memorial — Sir  Daniel  Charles  Mills. 

At  the  conclave  of  the  Commandery,  held  June  8.  1905. 
the  committee  appointed  to  draft  resolutions  of  respect  to 
the  memory  of  Sir  Daniel  Charles  Mills,  consisting-  of  Sirs 
W.  L.  Milligan,  T.  C.  Gibson  and  W.  B.  Titus,  reported  the 
following,  which  was  approved  : 

Born  in  Staffordshire,  England,  July  3.  1832;  called  to 
the  Asylum  above  May  2,  1905. 

Type  of  a  generation  dropping  fast, 
Pillar  of  faultless  worth  and  dignity, 

This  record  of  the  unreturning  past 
Is  dedicated  with  loving  hearts  to  thee. 

We  desire  to  mark  upon  our  records  the  departure  of  our 
frater.  not  to  gratify  the  dead,  whose  soul  is  lifted  high 
above  such  honors,  hut  that  in  a  becoming  manner  we  may 
make  a  testament  of  our  appreciation  of  the  worth  of  the 
deceased,  whose  integrity  was  absolutely  unimpeachable  and 
pure  as  sterling  gold.  Mis  fidelity  was  as  filial  and  simple 
and  lofty  as  that  between  mother  and  child. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  2()^ 

His  habits  of  industry  were  remarkable,  and  were  as 
constant  and  regular  as  the  rising-  and  setting  of  the  sun. 

Whatever  was  worth  doing  with  him  was  worth  doing 
well.  Everything  to  which  lie  gave  his  attention  touched  a 
chord  of  sympathy  with  the  living,  and  now  that  "he  is  no 
more"  awakens  feelings  of  regard  for  his  memory,  which  is 
the  sponsor  of  all  our  hearts  can  give — a  legacy  of  tears 
to  freshen  the  remembrance  of  his  virtues. 

Habit  is  the  conservator  of  character.  Character  is  the 
gauge  that  determines  the  dimensions,  capacity  and  destiny. 
The  destiny  of  Daniel  Charles  Mills  is  the  completion  of  a 
useful  and  well  spent  life,  wreathed  in  the  sunlight  that  falls 
as  a  confirmation  to  his  family  and  to  us  that  it  is  well  with 
him  where  flowers  ever  bloom  and  never  fade  nor  wither. 

His  mam'  noble  virtues  were  the  mantle  that  overshad- 
owed his  faults,  and  the  veneration  which  we  feel  for  his 
memory  is  the  tribute  of  Ottawa  Commander}-,  Xo.  10. 
Knights  Templar,  in  which  he  was  created  and  dubbed  a 
Knights  Templar  and  Knight  of  Malta  June  3,  1886.  And 
the  hand  that  touched  the  damascus  blade  upon  his  head  de- 
posited the  Emblem  of  Innocence  in  his  grave  in  Ottawa 
Avenue  cemeterv — that  beautiful  city  of  silence  and  repose 
on  the  banks  of  the  peaceful  Illinois. 

His  heart  is  forever  stilled.  The  golden  bond  is  broken. 
The  trust  confided  to  him  has  been  faithfully  fulfilled  and 
c<  inscientiously  discharged. 

In  all  his  relations  as  a  citizen  his  conduct  was  squared 
by  the  standard  of  excellence.  As  a  husband  and  father  he 
was  kind  and  indulgent,  and  as  a  friend  always  faithful.  As 
a  Knight  Templar  his  deeds  along  the  pathway  of  life  were 
jewels  that  reflected  the  sterling  consistency  which  governed 
every  act  of  his  life. 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  to  the  family  ^\  our  departed 
frater  our  heartfelt  sympathy  in  their  bereavement.     Thai 


_>(>4  THE    KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

a  page  in  the  records  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  to, 
K.  T..  be  set  apart  to  his  memory,  and  this  memorial  be 
recorded  thereon  and  an  attested  copy  thereof  transmitted 
to  the  family. 

Memorial — Sir  John  R.  Cameron. 

The  committee,  consisting  of  John  F.  Nash,  W.  B. 
Titus  and  T.  C.  Gibson,  to  whom  was  referred  the  prepara- 
tion of  suitable  resolutions  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  our 
deceased  frater  and  Sir  Knight,  John  Rush  Cameron,  pre- 
sented the  following  report: 

On  the  twenty-second  day  of  May,  1905.  we  received 
this  telegram:  "Mr.  John  R.  Cameron  passed  away  to-day 
at  his  home  in  Clifton.  111.  Interment  at  Ottawa.  111..  May 
25th,  to  be  in  charge  of  Ottawa  Commandery." 

And  tints  are  we  again  admonished  of  the  uncertainty 
of  human  life  by  reason  of  the  passing  away  of  our  sin- 
cerely beloved  Brother  and  Sir  Knight,  John  R.  Cameron. 
which  occurred  May  22.  1905.  leaving  another  vacancy  in 
the  lines  of  our  Commandery,  one  more  name  called  to  which 
there  shall  be  no  response. 

Sir  Cameron  received  the  Templar  Orders  May  28,  [868, 
and  was  active  in  the  management  of  the  affairs  of  the  order 
for  several  vears,  since  which  we  have  learned  to  know-  him 
more  intimately  and  to  cherish  the  memory  of  his  virtues, 
the  sterling  integrity  of  his  character  and  true  manhood  in 
his  business  and  social  relations  with  those  with  whom  he 
came  in  contact  in  daily  life,  always  a  true  and  loyal  friend, 
and  his  delight  was  to  meet  the  friends  of  earlier  years. 
though  he  lived  in  another  city.     Therefore,  he  it 

Resolved,  That  in  the  passing  away  of  Sir  Knight  Cam- 
eron Ottawa  Commandery  has  lost  one  of  its  highly  valued 
fraters,  the  community  an  estimable  citizen,  and  he  will  he 
greatly  missed  by  his  many  friends  in  this  community,  but 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  265 

infinitely  more  by  those  to  whom  he  was  a  kind  and  affec- 
tionate husband  and  a  hiving  and  indulgent  father,  ever 
solicitous  for  their  comfort  and  well  being.    And,  as  another 

has  said  : 

How  fast  they  fall — those  we  have  known, 
As  leaves  from  autumn  branches  blown. 

So  quickly  sear. 
Yes,  one  by  one  they  drop  away 
As  withered  leaves  that  fall  and  stray 

And  disappear. 

Resolved.  That  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  hereby 
tender  to  the  bereaved  wife  and  family  of  our  departed 
Brother  and  Sir  Knight  our  sincere  and  heartfelt  sympathy 
in  this  hour  of  their  great  sorrow,  and  commend  them  to 
the  loving  care  of  Him  that  doeth  all  things  well,  for  that 
comfort  and  consolation  which  He  alone  can  give. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  this  memorial  be  spread  upon 
the  records  and  that  a  copy  of  same  be  suitably  engrossed 
and  presented  to  the  family  of  our  departed  Brother  and  Sir 
Knight. 

Memorial — Sir  Douglas  Hapeman. 

The  committee  on  memorial  tribute  to  the  memory  of 
Sir  Douglas  Hapeman,  consisting  of  Sirs  C.  B.  Chapman. 
Henry  Mayo  and  I.  D.  Vincent,  presented  the  following, 
which  was  approved  by  the  Commandery,  June  8,  1905  : 

Sir  Douglas  Hapeman  was  born  in  Fulton  county.  New 
York,  January  15,  1839.  and  with  his  father's  family  came 
to  La  Salle  county  and  settled  in  Earl  township  in  1845.  He 
enlisted  in  the  army  in  April.  1861,  and  was  commissioned 
second  lieutenant  and  served  in  Company  H,  1  ith  Illinois  in- 
fantry, until  in  the  month  of  August,  1862,  when  he  was 
tendered  the  position  of  lieutenant  colonel  of  the  104th  Illi- 
nois infantry.  He  accepted  the  position  tendered  and  was 
commissioned  to  remain  with  his  regiment  until  the  close  of 
the  war,  when  he  was  mustered  out  in  June,   1865. 


266  I'll  E    K  NIGHTS   TEM  I'l.Ak, 

hi  [867  he  entered  into  business  in  the  city  of  Ottawa, 
and  was  one  of  (  Mtawa's  prominent  business  men  until  about 
eight  years  ago,  when  failing  health  obliged  him  to  re- 
tire from  an  active  business  life. 

Sir  Knighl  llapeman  was  knighted  on  the  T(>th  day  ol 
June,  A.  f).  [868,  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  No'.  10.  and  re- 
mained a  faithful  and  consistent  member  of  the  order  until 
the  alarm  was  heard  at  the  door  of  our  asylum  and  his  spirit 
took  its  flight  to  the  Asylum  above  on  the  third  day  of  June. 
A.  D.  1905.  It  is  said  death  loves  a  shining  mark.  When 
death  called  for  Sir  Knight  Hapeman  it  called  for  one  who 
adorned  and  shed  luster  upon  all  of  the  relations  of  life  in 
which  he  had  heen  placed,  whether  as  a  soldier  upon  the 
tented  field  or  as  a  quiet,  modest  and  unassuming  citizen. 

As  a  young  man  he  possessed  those  qualities  of  mind 
and  character  which  made  him  respected  and  which  he  car- 
ried with  him  through  life. 

Against  his  integrity  and  character  not  one  breath  c\\ 
suspicion  had  ever  been  cast.  As  a  soldier  and  officer  in  the 
field  he  was  ever  reaclv  and  prompt  in  the  discharge  of  the 
arduous  duties  of  the  service.  Cool  and  brave  in  battle,  he 
knew  not  the  meaning  of  fear.  And  yet  his  fearlessness  was 
not  bravado,  hut  horn  of  his  sterling  manhood  which 
nerved  him  to  perform  whatever  duty  was  placed  upon  him. 
He  knew  and  felt  that  he  was  performing  a  high  and  sacred 
duty  to  his  country.  He  was  patriotic  and  brave.  Not  he- 
cause  it  brought  him  plaudits,  although  these  were  well 
earned  and  modestly  received,  but  because' as  an  ideal  Ameri- 
can citizen  he  felt  that  that  country  which  had  heen  horn  and 
dedicated  to  liberty  and  gave  him  birth  was  in  peril,  and 
that  his  highest  duty  was  to  assist  in  preserving  unimpaired 
that  liberty  which  had  heen  purchased  at  such  great  cost 
of  blood  and  sacrifice  by  those  who  founded  and  reared  this 
matchless  republic. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMAISTDERY.  267 

As  an  officer  it  has  been  said  of  him  that  he  was  "a  model 
officer,  loved  by  all  under  him,  and  respected  and  trusted 
by  brigade,  division,  corps  and  army  commanders  under 
whom  he  served." 

As  a  citizen  he  was  quiet,  modest  and  unassuming  and 
always  interested  in  anything  which  had  for  its  benefit  the 
city,  state  or  nation  in  which  he  lived.  Honest  and  straight- 
forward in  all  his  dealings,  he  was  an  example  which  all 
might  follow. 

As  a  friend  he  was  kind  and  genial,  warm-hearted  and 
generous. 

As  a  knight  he  was  courteous  and  true  and  faithful  to 
his  knightly  obligations.  He  helieved  in  Knight  Templarism 
and  its  teachings.  He  believed  that  he  had  no  higher  duty 
to  perform  than  to  his  God,  and  that  loyalty  to  Him  was 
his  highest  privilege.  He  had  been  for  many  years  a  true 
and  consistent  Christian  and  a  faithful  attendant  at  Christ 
Church. 

We  rejoice  in  the  close  companionship  which  we  have 
been  privileged  to  enjoy  with  the  brave  and  fearless  soldier, 
the  upright  and  honest  citizen,  the  warm-hearted  friend,  the 
genial  and  kindly  neighbor,  and  the  Christian  knight.  His 
loss  we  all  deeply  deplore,  but  we  know  that  his  hrm  re- 
liance upon  the  truths  contained  in  the  Holy  Word  has  in- 
sured him  eternal  and  immortal  happiness  in  the  world  to 
come. 

As  Knights  Templar  we  will  ever  keep  his  memory 
fragrant  and  strive  to  emulate  his  virtues,  which  endeared 
him  to  the  whole  community. 

To  his  bereaved  family  and  friends  we  extend  the  kindly 
sympathy  of  each  and  every  frater  of  our  Commandery  in 
their  deep  affliction. 

Resolved,  That  this  memorial  be  spread  upon  the  records. 


268  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

a   copy  be  sent   to  the   family  of  the  deceased,  and  a  copy 
also  furnished  the  press  of  the  city. 

EXCERPTA:  There  is  a  flavor  of  the  old  historic  spirit  im- 
pressed on  modern  Templary  that  gives  to  it  a  delightful  charm; 
there  are  lessons  and  symbols  gathered  out  of  the  past;  associations 
and  reminders  connected  with  the  stirring  periods  of  the  crusades 
that  most  properly  find  place  in  the  Templar  ritual  as  we  have 
learned  it.  He  who  bears  the  name  of  Knights  Templar  to-day  is 
pledged  to  defend  the  weak  and  oppressed.  He  is  bound  by  solemn 
obligations  to  prove  his  devotion  to  truth  and  duty — to  be  courte- 
ous, brave  and  magnanimous — that  so  he  may  illustrate  the  char- 
acter of  a  true  man  and  a  true  Christian.  Only  as  he  is  thus  faith- 
ful— performing  some  good  service  in  the  fulfillment  of  the  duties 
of  related  life — can  he  be  a  true  and  loyal  Knight  Templar,  and 
only  in  this  way  can  he  show  a  worthy  appreciation  of  an  institu- 
tion founded  upon  the  Christian  religion  and  the  practice  of  the 
Christian  virtues. 


1905-6. 

The  forty-fourth  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Command- 
ery  was  held  June  8,  1905,  when  the  following-  officers  were 
elected  and  appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

Herbert  Blaker  McKahin   Commander 

Irving  De  Forest  Vincent Generalissimo 

William  Dyer  Fullerton    Captain  General 

George  Craft  Dunaway   Senior  Warden 

Milton  Eben  Blanchard Junior  Warden 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson    Treasurer 

Robert  Lucien  Smith Recorder 

Philip  John  Wendel    Standard  Bearer 

John  Neil  Neilson   Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.   Rodgers    Warder 

Joseph   Adams   Wilson    Sentinel 

The  above  officers  were  duly  installed  June  15,  1905. 

Created:     Richard  Daniel  Mills.  James  Henry  Monteith, 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  269 

Herman  Silver  Blanchard,  William  Hopkins  Irwin,  Charles 
Wallace  Long,  Edwin  Randolph  Spencer,  Oscar  John  Ack- 
erman,  Emil  J.  Hoffman,  Albert  Lawrence  Trager,  John 
Lowe  Barnard,  William  Holland  Sindel,  Henry  William 
Johnson,  Albert  Clinton  Bradish. 

Demitted:  J.  T.  Applegate,  J.  C.  Ames,  L.  L.  Bennion, 
B.  L,  Bonar.  C.  C.  Brooker,  E.  H.  Bailey,  O.  H.  Bourne, 
S.  A.  Blanchard,  W.  H.  Boys,  Thos.  Bawden,  J.  A.  Curry, 
W.  S.  Cherry,  L.  -R.  Colley,  P.  R.  Chubbuck,  B.  F.  Cole- 
houer,  J.  M.  Davidson,  A.  J.  Daugherty,  I.  Echard,  W.  C. 
Flick,  J.  W.  Fornof,  L.  L.  Graves,  O.  Griggs,  O.  H.  Howe, 
L.  D.  Howe,  R.  J.  Howells,  D.  E,  Huggans,  Hugh  Hall,  M. 
W.  Jack,  W.  H.  Jennings,  W.  B.  Jones,  Joseph  Kopf,  R.  W. 
Law,  M.  J.  Luther,  L.  O.  Lorenz,  S.  McFeely,  F.  E.  Mills, 
H.  L.  Manly,  J.  C.  Pirkey,  C.  H.  Rathbun,  C.  T.  Rowland, 
O.  B.  Ryon,  W.  L.  Ross,  W.  Reeves,  R.  S.  Scharfenberg, 
S.  Smith,  W.  L.  Smith,  A.  RL  Van  Skiver,  C.  R.  Schurman, 
J.  N.  Shinn,  Jas.  Sexton,  T.  H.  Spencer,  C.  H.  Williams 
and  J.  R.  Williams.  The  above  demitted  for  the  purpose  of 
becoming  charter  members  of  Streator  Commandery,  then 
working  under  dispensation,  and  was  chartered  October  24, 
1906,  as  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70,  K.  T. ;  also  S.  E. 
Bergeson,  H.  M.  Taggart,  J.  M.  Stewart,  A.  E.  Tyler. 

Affiliated :     H.  Eugene  Chubbuck. 

Suspended:     John  Charles  Corcoran. 

Died:  John  Fletcher  Gibson,  William  Camp  Hall,  Louis 
Scheidecker,  David  Alpheus  Cook,  Clark  Brading  Provins 
and  Samuel  Richolson. 

One  of  the  most  pleasing  incidents  occurring  during  the 
Templar  year  was  the  presentation,  by  the  members  of  Ot- 
tawa Commandery,  to  Past  Commander  Theodore  C.  Gibson 
and  his  worthy  dame,  on  their  fiftieth  wedding  anniversary, 
February  26,  1906,  of  two  purses,  one  to  each,  containing 
fifty  dollars  in  gold,  and  in  addition  to  Mrs.  Gibson  a  beau- 


_'7('  HI  E    K  NIGHTS   TEM  1'I.AK, 

tiful  bouquet  oi  fifty  ruses.  A  pleasant  evening  was  spent 
by  those  who  were  fortunate  in  being  present  in  hearing  the 
reminiscences  of  the  earlier  days  of  Ottawa  Commandery 
recited  by  the  early  members,  of  whom  only  1'.  Em.  Sir  Nash 
and  T.  C.  ( ribson  remain. 

Ottawa  Commandery  consented  to  the  formation  of  a 
new  Commandery  at  Streator,  111.  The  formation  of  the 
new  Commandery  of  Knights  Templar  at  Streator  deprived 
Ottawa  Commandery  of  fifty-eight  valiant  and  magnani- 
mous Sir  Knights. 

The  Commandery  attended  Easter  service  Sunday,  April 
15.  1906,  at  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Forty-three  swords 
were  represented. 

The  Commander)-  was  inspected  May  10.  1906,  by  Em. 
Sir  William  L.  Sharp.  Grand  Sword  Bearer.  Sixty-five 
swords  were  inspected.  Twenty-two  visiting'  Sir  Knights 
were  present.  The  inspection  was  most  creditable  to  the 
Commandery  and  reflected  the  wisdom  of  the  Commandery 
in  selecting  Em.  Sir  Herbert  B.  McKahin  for  Em.  Com- 
mander. 

Memorial — Sir  Louis  Scheidecker. 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery.  held 
June  28,  [906,  the  committee,  consisting  of  Sirs  J.  P.  Pled- 
gers, G.  C.  Dunaway  and  S.  B.  Bradford,  presented  the  fol- 
lowing resolutions  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  Sir  Louis 
Scheidecker,  which  were  approved  and  ordered  spread  upon 
the  records : 

Again  there  is  a  vacant  chair  in  our  council  chamber. 
The  Grand  Master  of  Heaven  has  summoned  from  our 
midst  our  well  beloved  frater,  Louis  Scheidecker,  who  an- 
swered the  final  summons  and  passed  from  his  labors  on 
earth  to  eternal  refreshment  in  the  Grand  Encampment  of 
I  leaven. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  2JI 

Sir  Knight  Scheidecker  was  born  in  France  January  17. 
1833,  and  emigrated  to  this  country  with  his  parents  in 
1840,  settling  near  Somonauk,  111.,  where  he  has  since  re- 
sided. 

He  died  at  Santa  Ana,  California,  on  March  6th  of  this 
year,  being  73  years  of  age.  He  was  buried  at  Somonauk  on 
April  22,  1900,  hv  the  Blue  Lodge  with  a  Templar  escort. 

Sir  Knight  Scheidecker  was  constituted  a  Knight  of  the 
Red  Cross  in  this  Commandery  on  July  19,  1883,  and  re- 
ceived the  Order  of  the  Temple  on  October  30th  of  the  same 
year,  since  which  date  he  has  been  a  continuous  member. 

We  take  this  method  of  expressing-  onr  fraternal  appre- 
ciation of  the  life  and  character  of  onr  deceased  frater,  and 
courteously  extend  onr  knightly  sympathy  to  his  bereaved 
family. 

We  recommend  that  a  page  in  onr  records  be  set  apart 
as  a  memorial  to  him.  and  that  the  nsual  emblems  of  mourn- 
ing be  displayed  for  the  next  thirty  days. 

Memorial — Sir  Clark  Brading  Provins. 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  June 
28,  1906,  the  committee,  consisting  of  Sirs  Henry  Mayo, 
John  Stout  and  H.  S.  Blanchard,  presented  the  following- 
resolution  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  Sir  Clark  Brading 
Provins,  which  was  approved  and  ordered  spread  upon  the 
records  and  a  copy  presented  to  his  family: 

Clark  Brading  Provins,  a  frater  in  this  Commandery, 
was  born  at  Masontown,  Fayette  county,  Pennsylvania, 
February  28,  1853.  After  passing  through  the  high  school 
of  that  city  he  graduated  from  Jefferson  college  in  1868. 
He  then  came  west,  taught  school  for  several  years  and  then 
took  up  the  study  of  medicine  in  the  office  of  Dr.  R.  F. 
Dyer,  and  subsequently  graduated  from  Rush  Medical  col- 
lege in  1882.     He  then  settled  in  Ottawa  and  commenced  his 


272  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

chosen  profession  and  continued  in  such  practice  until 
fatally  stricken  by  disease. 

The  character,  energy  and  skill  which  distinguished  him 
in  the  earlier  periods  of  his  life  soon  brought  him  an  ex- 
tended practice. 

He  was  acknowledged  to  be  a  man  of  sound  judgment, 
well  skilled  in  his  profession,  and  highly  esteemed  by  all 
who  had  the  good  fortune  to  make  his  acquaintance. 

Later  in  his  practice  he  resolved  to  ht  himself  for  spe- 
cial work  in  his  profession,  and  for  that  purpose  took  a 
course  of  instruction  at  the  Ophthalmic  and  Ayral  Institute 
of  Xew  York  City,  therein-  fitting  himself  especially  for  the 
treatment  of  diseases  of  the  eye  and  ear.  In  his  special 
practice  he  was  not  without  distinction,  his  clear  judgment, 
his  patient  and  careful  investigation  of  cases  undertaken  by 
him,  made  him  an  especial  favorite  with  persons  suffering 
from  these  afflictions. 

In  his  later  years  he  suffered  much  from  a  disease,  the 
ravages  of  which  medical  skill  could  not  cope  with,  and,  on 
the  4th  day  of  June,  1906,  the  silent  messenger  of  death 
made  his  final  call,  and  the  spirit  of  our  departed  brother 
crossed  the  dark  river  and  wafted  its  way  to  the  shore  oi 
immortality.  XV  sentinel  has  ever  heen  able  to  stay  the 
entrance  of  this  unhidden  guest  to  the  asylum  of  our  Com- 
mandery  and  none  ever  will  he.  The  ties  sewered  by  the 
death  of  our  brother  and  the  vacant  chair  in  the  asylum  of 
this  Commandery  is  hut  an  oft-repeated  reminder  of  the 
fate  of  man. 

In  the  death  of  our  brother  the  Commander)'  has  lost 
one  of  its  most  valued  fraters.  His  was  a  strenuous  life, 
even  when  the  fatal  disease  had  fastened  its  grip  niton  him. 
The  God  that  gave  him  existence  has  called  him  hence,  and 
we  shall  newer  more  he  able  to  extend  to  him  the  fraternal 
hand  and  welcome  him  into  the  asylum  of  our  Commandery. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  2/3 

All  that  was  immortal  in  him  has  watted  its  way  to  the 
shores  of  immortality.  We  cherish  his  memory,  and,  under 
the  guidance  of  a  divine  hand,  may  we  emulate  his  virtues. 
Though  he  be  dead,  may  his  life  be  an  inspiration  to  the 
accomplishment  of  those  things  which  shall  result  in  good 
to  our  fellowmen. 

To  the  widow  and  family  of  our  departed  brother  we 
extend  our  deepest  sympathy.  We  cannot  call  back  our 
brother,  but  in  their  hour  of  affliction  we  invoke  the  protec- 
tion of  the  Ruler  of  the  Universe  as  our  hearts  join  with 
theirs  in  sympathy  for  the  loss  they,  the  Commandery  and 
our  order  has  sustained  in  the  death  of  our  departed 
brother. 

Memorial- — Sir  William  Camp  Hall. 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  June 
28,  1906,  the  committee,  consisting  of  Sirs  Duncan  Mc- 
Dougall,  C.  J.  Byrne  and  Joseph  Allison,  presented  the  fol- 
lowing resolution  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  Sir  William 
Camp  Hall,  which  was  approved  by  the  Commandery  and 
ordered  spread  upon  the  records: 

Again  has  an  alarm  come  to  the  door  of  our  asylum,  and 
the  messenger  was  he  who  sooner  or  later  will  summon  all 
who  sojourn  here. 

Thus  we  are  again  reminded  that  in  the  midst  of  life  we 
are  environed  by  death.  We  learn  with  sorrow  that  the 
name  of  another  valiant,  courteous  and  exemplary  Knight 
Templar  has  been  removed  from  the  roll-call  of  the  living 
that  it  might  be  inscribed  upon  the  roll  from  which  erasures 
are  never  made. 

Sir  Knight  William  Camp  Hall  was  born  at  Hartford, 
Washington  county.  New  York,  December  4,  182  1.  and  was 
removed  from  life's  activities  at  his  home  in  Freedom  town- 
ship, in  this  county,  January  22,   1906.     He  was  received 


274  THE    KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

into  the  illustrious  order  of  the  Red  Cross  January  21,  1875, 

;m<l  was  created  a  Knight  Templar  and  a  Knight  of  Malta 
in  this  Commandery  April  26,   [875. 

Thou  art  not  dead;    for  dealh 
Only  takes  away  the  mortal  breath; 
And  life,  commencing  here, 
Is  but  a  prelude  to  its  full  career. 

Memorial — Sir  David  Alpheus  Cook. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  and  present  a  me- 
morial tribute  to  P.  Em.  Sir  David  A.  Cook,  consisting  of 
Sirs  Walter  B.  Titus,  Al.  F.  Schoch  and  John  F,  Xash,  pre- 
sented the  following"  report  October  12,  1905,  which  was 
read  before  the  Commandery  and  approved,  etc. : 

Your  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  preparation 
of  an  appropriate  memorial  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  onr 
deceased  frater,  Sir  Knight  David  A.  Cook,  would  respect- 
fully present  the  following  report : 

Once  again,  midst  the  busy  cares  of  everyday  life,  we 
have  occasion  to  mourn  the  loss  of  one  of  our  members  by 
the  death  of  our  greatlv  beloved  Brother  and  Sir  Knight, 
David  A.  Cook,  who,  after  many  months  of  ill-health, 
though  not  very  seriously  interfering"  with  his  business  till 
very  recently,  when,  after  a  short  serious  illness,  he  passed 
quietly  away,  surrounded  by  his  loved  ones,  at  his  home  in' 
Ottawa,  111.,  on  the  morning  of  September  21,  1905. 

That  all  our  hearts  were  made  sad  as  the  knowledge  of 
his  death  reached  us  that  morning  goes  without  saying. 
Little  did  we  think  of  him  being  so  near  "that  other  shore." 
and,  in  the  passing  away  of  our  beloved  Brother  and  Sir 
Knight,  we  realize  that  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  has 
lost  one  of  its  most  highly  esteemed  members. 

Sir  Knight  Day  id  A.  Cook  received  the  Templar  orders 
in  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  February  5,  1867.  Later 
he  took  a  demit  and  affiliated  with  St.  John's  Commandery, 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  275 

Peru,  111.,  of  which  he  was  a  charter  member,  after  which 
he  demitted  and  was  charter  member  of  Bethany  Com- 
mandery,  No.  28,  Mendota,  111.,  and  was  later  Eminent 
Commander  of  Bethany  Commandery.  He  re-affiliated  with 
Ottawa  Commandery  on  moving  to  Ottawa,  March  8,  1877, 
retaining"  his  membership  therein  while  he  lived. 

While  not  especially  active,  after  moving  to  Ottawa,  in  an 
official  capacity  in  our  Commandery,  yet  he  had  endeared 
himself  to  us,  not  only  by  his  native  manhood,  but  also  by 
his  genial  companionship  and  his  ever  courteous  treatment 
of  all  with  whom  he  came  in  contact  in  every  day  life,  al- 
ways a  loyal  Templar,  and  a  true  friend  whose  memory  we 
will  ever  cherish  as  in  immortal  green. 

As  a  citizen  in  early  life  he,  with  patriotic  devotion  to  his 
country,  gave  efficient  service  at  the  front  in  the  hour  of 
greatest  peril,  and,  though  suffering  from  serious  wounds  at 
different  times  and  battle-scarred,  yet  he  was  providentially 
returned  to  his  home  and  friends,  and  with  returning  health 
and  strength  later  to  enjoy  the  well-earned  blessings  of  a 
united  country. 

With  business  ability  of  a  high  order  and  a  character 
untarnished,  with  integrity  unquestioned  in  every  walk  of 
life,  by  reason  of  which  he  was  called  to  fill  an  important 
position  of  trust  for  many  years,  bringing  him  in  contact 
with  many  of  the  best  business  men  of  the  state  and  leaving 
an  enviable  record  for  himself  and  the  government,  whom 
he  served  as  bank  examiner. 

We  shall  measure  the  loss  of  the  husband  and  father  to 
that  home  he  loved  so  intensely  with  all  its  pleasurable  sur- 
roundings, where  he  was  always  a  kind  and  loving  husband 
and  an  affectionate  and  indulgent  father,  ever  solicitous  for 
the  best  interests  of  each  individual  member,  manifested  in 
numberless  ways,  never  to  be  forgotten.  And  while  we 
mourn  his  loss,  yet  not  without  the  Christian  hope  of  a 


_'7()  III  E    KNIGH  IS    II  \l  PI.AK, 

bless€d  resurrection  in  the  Master's  Kingdom.  Therefore, 
he  it 

Resolved,  That  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  [O,  hereby 
tenders  to  the  bereaved  wife  and  family  of  our  departed 
Brother  and  Sir  Knight  our  sincere  and  heartfelt  sympathy 
in  this  hour  of  their  great  sorrow,  and  would  commend  them 
to  the  loving  care  of  Him  who  doeth  all  things  well  for  that 
comfort  and  consolation  which  He  alone  is  able  to  give. 

Resolved,  That  this  memorial  be  spread  upon  the  records 
and  that  a  copy  of  same  be  suitably  engrossed  and  presented 
to  the  family  of  our  deceased  Brother  and  Sir  Knight. 

Memorial — Sir  Samuel  Richolsox. 

Born  March  25,  1841  ;  knighted  March  22,  1894:  died 
June  24,  1906. 

Sir  Samuel  Richolson  was  for  many  years  one  of  the 
most  prominent  attorneys  of  Ottawa.  He  came  to  Ottawa 
in  1868,  and  began  the  study  of  law  with  Charles  Blanchard, 
Judge  of  the  Circuit  Court  for  many  years.  After  his  admit- 
tance to  the  practice  of  law  he  formed  a  partnership  with 
H.  K.  Boyle,  a  talented  young  man.  and  the  same  year  the 
firm  of  Dickey,  Boyle  &  Richolson  was  formed.  Judge 
Dickey  being  admitted  to  a  partnership.  Boyle  soon  had  to 
retire  from  the  firm  on  account  of  his  health,  and  the  firm 
of  Richolson  &*  Dickey  continued  to  exist  until  Col  Dickey 
moved  to  Chicago.  Aside  from  his  profession  Sir  Richolson 
was  most  prominent  in  public  affairs  relating  to  the  welfare 
of  Ottawa,  and  his  efforts  in  that  direction  resulted  mosl 
beneficial  for  Ottawa. 

He  was  three  times  honored  with  the  mayoralty  and  gave 
to  the  city  a  progressive,  yet  economical,  administration. 
He  was  at  the  head  of  the  hoard  of  directors  of  the  public 
library  for  seven  years,  and,  for  three  years  was  its  presi- 
dent. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  277 

Sir  Richolson  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery 
March  22,  1894,  and  greatly  loved  the  teachings  of  the  Order 
of  the  Temple  and  loved  to  observe  the  conferring  of  the 
Orders,  especially  when  dune  in  a  solemn,  intellectual  and 
impressive  manner,  for  he  did  hate  slovenliness  and  assassi- 
nation of  the  English  language. 

His  passing  was  not  only  a  serious  loss  to  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, but  to  the  community  and  the  city  in  which  he 
lived,  and  his  sudden  taking  off  was  a  shock  to  all  who  knew 
him. 

Samuel  Richolson,  friend,  f rater,  knight,  hail  and  fare- 
well ! 

EXCERPTA:  Let  the  sublime  principles  of  our  order  be  acted 
out  and  the  world  will  be  conquered,  and  humanity  proclaim  in 
trumpet  tones  the  excellency  of  its  plans,  the  utility  of  its  triumph: 
and  the  time  is  not  far  distant  when  fraternizing  principles  will 
embrace  the  world,  as  the  glorious  rainbow,  based  on  the  ocean, 
spans  the  sky. 


1906-7. 
The  forty-fifth  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery 
was  held  June   14,    1906,  and  the  following  officers  were 
elected  and  appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year : 

Irving  De  Forest  Vincent Commander 

William  Dyer  Fullertnn Generalissimo 

George  Craft  Dunaway Captain  General 

Philip  John  Wendel Senior  Warden 

Milton  Eben  Blanchard Junior  Warden 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson Treasurer 

Robert  Lucien  Smith Recorder 

William  Harper  Rollo Standard  Bearer 

Peter  McGilvary  Campbell Sword  Bearer 

foshua  P.  Rodgers Warder 


JjX  THE   KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

Joseph  Adams  Wilson Sentinel 

I  he  above  officers  elected  and  appointed  for  the  ensuing 
remplar  year  were  duly  installed  June  28,  1906. 

Created:  Herbert  Lewis  Kline,  Albert  John  Weirick, 
Erwin  Christian  Rabenstein,  Charles  F.  Wilson,  Circle  Jay 
Cody,  Everitt  Anthony  Sherwood  and  Frederick  Alexander 
Peebles. 

Affiliated:     Harry  Charles  Barbour. 

Denritted:  Clarence  Champlain  Glover  and  James 
Henry  Montieth. 

Suspended:  Lester  Olney  Phillips  and  George  Henry 
Pruett. 

Pied :  Charles  Blanchard  and  David  Henry  Slag'le. 
The  annual  inspection  of  Ottawa  Commandery  was  held 
May  2,  1907,  by  Sir  Fred  Lehman,  special  inspection  officer. 
Sixty-one  swords  were  inspected.  The  Commandery  re- 
ceived the  following-  communication  from  R.  Em.  Grand 
Commander  Albert  F.  Schooh  regarding  this  inspection, 
which  we  herewith  append  : 

Grand  Commandery,  Knights  Templar,  of  Illinois. 
Headquarters  of  Grand  Commander, 

Ottawa,  111.,  June  5,  1907. 
Sir  Irving  D.  Vincent,  Em.   Commander  Ottawa  Commandery,  No. 

10,  Ottawa,  111. 

Dear  Frater:  In  looking  over  the  inspection  report  of  your 
Commandery  I  am  more  than  pleased  with  the  results  achieved  by 
you  and  your  fraters  and  the  high  mark  attained,  which  shows  that 
Ottawa  still  holds  her  position  among  the  subordinate  Command- 
eries  of  Illinois. 

Your  percentage  on  military  tactics  was  96%  per  cent.,  and 
ritual  98%  per  cent.,  making  an  average  of  97%  per  cent.,  which  is 
certainly  a  high  mark  and  one  which  you  can  point  to  with  pride 
and  gratification. 

In  closing  I  cannot  help  but  quote  the  remarks  of  the  inspect- 
ing officer  for  your  benefit,  in  which  he  says: 

"The  Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois  should  feel  proud  of  Ot- 
tawa Commandery,  No.  10,  and  I  count  it  always  as  one  of  my  most 
pleasant  privileges  of  having  been  permitted  to  pass  upon  the  pro- 
ficiency of  the  home  Commandery  of  the  R.  Em.  Grand  Com- 
mander." 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  279 

Again  expressing  to  you  my  appreciation,  and  with  best  wishes 
for  the  future  success  and  welfare  of  your  Commandery,  I  beg  to 
remain,  with  kind  regards, 

Very  courteously  yours, 

AL.  F.  SCHOCH,  Grand  Commander. 

Ottawa  Commandery  observed  Christmas  service  in  their 
asylum  December  25,  1906,  with  thirty-six  swords  repre- 
sented. 

Easter  service  was  observed  by  the  Commandery  in  at- 
tendance at  divine  services  at  the  Congregational  Church 
with  forty-nine  swords  in  line. 

Testimonial  Presentation  to  E.  Sir  Al.  F.  Schoch. 

At  a  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  September 
26,  1907.  Past  Em.  Commander  Bullen,  of  Siloam  Com- 
manderv.  on  behalf  of  his  Commandery,  presented  R.  Em. 
Sir  Albert  F.  Schoch  a  handsomely  bound  certificate  of  hon- 
orary membership  in  Siloam  Commandery.  The  presenta- 
tion speech  was  couched  in  beautiful  language,  lauding  our 
esteemed  frater,  to  which  R.  Em.  Sir  Schoch  responded  in  a 
feeling  spirit. 

Testimonial  to  Sir  Walter  Briggs  Titus. 

At  the  stated  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  held 
Januarv  2j,  1907,  the  following  resolution,  signed  by  Sirs 
George  H.  Haight,  C.  P.  Taylor  and  W.  L.  Milligan,  was 
presented  to  Ottawa  Commandery  and  adopted  by  a  rising 
vote : 

Whereas,  Our  esteemed  frater,  Em.  Sir  Knight  Walter 
Rrioo-s  Titus,  excellent  Prelate  of  this  Commandery  for 
twenty-two  years,  has  felt  obliged,  because  of  advanced  age 
and  growing  infirmities,  to  decline  longer  to  accept  this  re- 
sponsible trust ;  and. 

Whereas,  Through  his  long  service  in  the  Commandery. 
in  various  official  positions,  his  efforts  had  been  character- 
ized by  enthusiasm,  skill  and  fidelity,  and  particularly  in  the 


280  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

performance  of  that  important  office  (  I 'relate)  he  has  with 
exceptional  ability  impressed  upon  all  pilgrim  penitents  who 
have  had  occasion  to  travel  his  way  the  wholesome,  moral 
and  religious  truths  taught  by  the  order;  and, 

Whereas,  As  a  private  citizen  his  life  has  heen  pure  and 
his  reputation  such  as  to  reflect  credit  upon  this  Com- 
mandery  ;  therefore,  he  it 

Resolved,  That  this  body,  while  our  frater  is  yet  alive,  in 
good  health  and  able  to  be  among  us  and  fully  understand 
and  appreciate  our  motives,  extend  to  him  our  grateful  ac- 
knowledgments and  thanks  for  his  long  service,  congratula- 
tions upon  his  useful  and  exemplary  life,  and  express  the 
hope  that  the  Grand  Commander  of  the  L  niverse  will  pro- 
long his  stay  among  us  for  many,  many  years. 

Memorial — Charles  Blanch ard. 

Sir  Charles  Blanchard  was  born  in  Peacham,  Vermont. 
August  31.  1829.  and  passed  to  his  reward  October  31. 
1906. 

Having  completed  his  education  as  a  student  at  Peacham 
Seminary  he  came  AYest,  arriving  in  Peru,  Illinois,  in  1848. 

He  taught  school  at  Granville  and  Hennepin,  111.,  and 
during  his  leisure  hours  applied  himself  to  the  study  of 
law,  in  which  he  passed  a  successful  examination  before 
Judge  Treat  at  Springfield,  111.,  November  7.  185 1.  He 
moved  to  Ottawa  in  1861,  was  elected  State's  Attorney  No- 
vember, 1864,  and  served  as  such  until  December.  1872,  from 
which  office  he  retired  as  he  entered  it — with  the  good  will 
of  the  people.  Through  recognition  of  his  ability  as  a  law- 
yer he  was  appointed,  August  1.  1884.  one  of  the  judges  of 
the  Ninth  Judicial  Circuit  by  Governor  Hamilton,  to  fill  the 
vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation  of  Judge  Goodspeed. 

At  the  ensuing  election,  in  June.  1885,  he  was  chosen  by 
his  constituents  for  the  full  term  of  six  years,  and  in  1891, 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  28l 

1897  and  1903  was  again  elected  and  served  until  his  death. 

He  was  a  man  of  strong  mentality  and  possessed  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  law,  as  indicated  by  his  decisions. 

Sir  Blanchard  affiliated  with  St.  John's  Lodge,  No.  13, 
Peru,  111.,  by  demit  from  Social  Lodge,  No.  70,  Hennepin, 
111.,  June  5/1856. 

Demitted  from  St.  John's  Lodge,  July  18,  1867,  and  affil- 
iated with  Occidental  Lodge,  No.  40,  Ottawa,  111.,  August 
17,  1874.  Was  exalted  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  in  Shabbona 
Chapter,  No.  ^y,  R.  A.  M..  April  7,  1875,  and  knighted  in 
Ottawa  Commandery,  Knights  Templar,  January  22,  1885. 
and  in  all  his  long  career  as  a  man  of  family,  as  a  citizen, 
and  as  a  servant  of  the  people  in  positions  of  public  trust, 
he  so  deported  himself  that  when  the  end  came  he  could — 

The  darkened  universe  defy 
To  quench  his  immortality 
Or  shake  his  trust  in  God. 

EXCERPTA:  No  one  should  enter  our  sacred  asylum  who 
does  not  in  his  life,  as  well  as  belief,  show  the  culture  of  a  Chris- 
tian character.  As,  to  be  good  men  and  true,  was  the  first  lesson 
taught  in  Masonry,  so  to  be  the  Christian  gentleman  is  the  most 
essential  of  knighthood. 


1907-8. 
The  forty-sixth  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery 
was  held  June  13,   1907,  when  the  following  officers  were 
elected  and  appointed  for  the  ensuing  Templar  year  : 

William  Dyer  Fullerton Commander 

George  Craft  Dunaway Generalissimo 

Philip  John  Wendel Captain  General 

Milton  Eben  Blanchard Senior  Warden 

William  Harper  Rollo Junior  Warden 

Joseph  Newton  Dunaway Prelate 

Theodore    Cunningham    Gibson Treasurer 


2cS2 


THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR. 


72 
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72 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  283 

J 

Robert  Lucien   Smith    Recorder 

Peter  McGilvary  Campbell    Standard  Bearer 

Frederick  Alexander  Peebles   Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.   Rodgers    \Yarder 

Joseph  Adams  Wilson    Sentinel 

The  above  officers  were  duly  installed  June  27,  1907. 

Created:  Walter  Madison  Mathes,  Felix  Ernest  Ma- 
der,  Thomas  Henry  Trimmer,  Clayton  Simmons  Bruce  and 
George  Grant  Galloway. 

Reinstated:     John  Charles  Corcoran. 

Demitted:  John  Bergeson,  John  L.  Clark,  George 
Alexander  Clipper,  John  Charles  Corcoran  and  Christian 
Gasser. 

Suspended:     Jacob  Benner  Shuler. 

Died:     Charles  C.  Modes  and  Alexander  Hanna. 

Sir  Hanna  was  one  of  the  older  of  our  Order  and  was  of 
sturdy  Scotch  stock,  the  type  that  make  men  good  and  true 
to  their  calling.  He  was  Captain  of  the  Guard  of  Ottawa 
Commandery  many  years.  He  is  with  us  no  more,  for  he 
is  risen  as  He  said. 

Ottawa  Commandery  celebrated  Easter  April  19,  1908, 
by  attending  divine  service  at  the  Baptist  Church,  at  Ot- 
tawa, 111.     Forty-eight  swords  were  in  line. 

Ottawa  Commandery  was  inspected  by  Sir  Thomas  A. 
Stevens,  Em.  Grand  Sword  Bearer,  April  23,  1908.  Sixty 
swords  were  inspected. 

Saratoga  Springs  Pilgrimage. 
In  accordance  with  arrangements  made  at  the  conclave 
held  July  2,  1907,  twenty-seven  Sir  Knights  left  Ottawa. 
111.,  Saturday,  July  6,  1907.  at  4  o'clock  i\  m..  to  attend  the 
triennial  conclave  of  the  Grand  Encampment,  to  be  held  at 
Saratoga  Springs,  X.  Y.,  July  9,  1907,  and  also  to  act  as 
escort  to  R.  Em.   Albert    Frederick  Schoch,  Grand   Com 


284  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

mander  of  the  Grand  Commandery  of  the  State  of  Illinois. 

Thirty-one  swords  took  part  in  the  grand  parade  on  the 

9th  of  July,    [907,  Ottawa  Commandery  taking  position  at 

the  right  of  the  Illinois  division  in  honor  of  Sir  Albert   l;. 

Sehueh,  member  and  Past  Commander  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, being  the  Grand  Commander  of  the  Grand  Com- 
mandery, Knights  Templar,  of  the  State  of  Illinois. 

The  members  of  Ottawa  Commandery  shown  in  picture 
at  Saratoga  Springs,  N.  Y.,  are,  reading-  from  left  to  right: 
In  background,  I.  1).  Vincent  as  Commander  and  P.  J. 
Wendel.  In  line  from  left  to  right,  H.  L.  Arnold.  M.  L. 
Sample.  James  Gentleman,  J.  W.  Clegg,  D.  Refior,  J.  M. 
Ferrell,  L.  Go  wen,  C.  J.  Byrne,  Hale  Francis,  C.  McClure, 
C.  A,  Wiley,  G.  H.  Haight.  C.  J.  Metzger,  E.  Spencer,  R. 
Farnsworth,  J.  P.  Rodgers,  R.  L.  Smith,  J.  J.  Withrow, 
G.  A.  Mills,  W.  D.  Duncan,  E.  E.  Gladfelter,  A.  J.  Roberts. 
Paul  Teissedre,  C.  Barbour,  C.  J.  Cody,  A.  C.  Bradish  ami 
W.  B.  Myers.  W.  D.  Strawn  was  on  the  staff  of  R.  Em. 
Grand  Commander  A.  F.  Schocb. 

Memorial — David  H.  Slagle. 

M.  E.  Blanchard,  N.  Fleming  and  AY.  H.  Rollo,  com- 
mittee, presented  the  following  resolutions : 

Whereas,  Sir  Knight  David  FI.  Slagle  found  light  in 
Free  Masonry  August  22,  1868,  in  Marseilles  Lodge,  No. 
417,  Marseilles,  Illinois;  was  exalted  to  the  august  degree 
of  the  Holy  Royal  Arch  in  Shabbona  Chapter.  Xo.  37, 
Royal  Arch  Masons,  at  Ottawa.  Illinois,  February  21,  1873, 
and  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commander)-.  Xo.  10,  Knights 
Templar,  at  Ottawa,  Illinois,  November  20,   1873. 

AYas  born  at  Delta.  Fulton  county,  Ohio,  March  23. 
1843,  and  died  at  Marseilles.  Illinois,  March  8,  1007,  aged 
sixty-three  years,  eleven  months  and  fifteen  days,  bis 
illness  being  brief  and  passing  silent  and  painless.  One  son 
and  a  loved  wife  are  left  to  mourn  bis  absence. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  O  >M  MANDERY. 


285 


Resolved,  That  in  their  trouble  we  offer  our  sympathy 
to  the  widow  and  son  of  our  deceased  frater  and  reverently 
commend  them  to  "Him  who  is  Lord  of  life  and  death," 
who  in  His  all  wise  providence  has  removed  the  husband 
and   father  from  his  loved  ones. 

Resolved,  That  we  cherish  the  memory  of  our  deceased 
frater,  David  Henry  Slagie,  for  his  sterling  qualities,  rug- 
ged character  and  many  virtues. 

"Not  with  the  clash  of  sabers,  not  with  the  roll  of  drums 
or  cheers  that  greet  the  hero  when  home  from  the  battle  he 
comes.  Not  to  the  sound  of  the  bugle,  mellow  and  clear 
and  sweet,  do  they  pass  homeward  march  with  never  re- 
turning feet,  but  into  the  dim  deep  stillness,  where  never 
more  war  may  come  with  never  a  footfall  sounding  the 
soldiers  are  marching  home." 

EXCERPTA:  The  perpetuation  of  the  Christian  religion  is  the 
chief  aim  of  Templarism,  the  Christian  graces  its  chief  tenets.  To 
these  graces  alone  has  been  reserved  the  pleasant  task  of  elevating 
and  refining  the  degraded  nations,  of  throwing  the  soft  mellow  light 
of  universal  benevolence  over  the  dissolving  rigors  of  the  heart's 
long  winter,  of  widening  the  horizon  of  human  happiness,  and  fling- 
ing the  arch  of  promise  across  the  distant  sky  of  the  future. 


GEO.  C.  DUNAWAY, 
E.  C.  1908-9,  1912-13. 


[908-9. 

The  forty-seventh  annual  conclave 
of  Ottawa  Commandery  was  held  June 
11,  1908,  when  the  following  officers 
were  elected  and  appointed  for  the  en- 
suing Templar  year : 
George  Craft  Dunaway  .  .  Commander 
Philip  John  Wendel ...  Generalissimo 
Milton  E.  Blanchanl .  .Captain  General 
William  Harper  Rollo,  Senior  Warden 

David  Refior Junior  Warden 

Joseph  Newton   Dunaway  ....  Prelate 

Theodore  C.  Gibson Treasurer 

Robert  Lncien  Smith Recorder 


286  I  Hi.    KNIGH  TS  TEMPLAR, 

Martin  Luther  Sample Standard  Bearer 

Peter  McGilvary  Campbell  Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.  Rbdgers Warder 

Joseph  Adams  Wilson Sentinel 

William  Lee  Roy  Milligan Historian 

The  above  officers  were  duly  installed  June  25,   1908. 

Created:  John  Mathias  Berg,  George  C.  Borchsenius, 
Charles  Beck,  William  Conger,  Ralph  Jason  Callagan, 
Frank  Burton  Courtright,  Harvey  Louis  Eastegord,  George 
C.  Hupp,  Frederick  Rudolph  Kuhlman,  John  James  Lacy, 
( rustave  John  Malaise,  Samuel  Burritt  Reed,  George  Wat- 
son Thompson. 

Demitted:     Thomas  Egbert  Wheeler  MacKinlay. 

Suspended:     Philo  Curtis  Weaver. 

Died:  George  C.  Borchsenius,  Joseph  Newton  Duna- 
wav  (P.  C),  Samuel  S.  Pearson,  Frederick  A.  Peebles,  Ed- 
win T.  Read. 

'Idie  memorial  committee,  consisting  of  W.  L.  Milligan, 
H.  L.  Arnold  and  Henry  Mayo,  presented  the  following 
memorial  to  deceased  f raters  S.  S.  Pearson,  E.  T.  Read.  F. 
A.  Peebles  and  J.  N.  Dunaway,  which  was  read  and  ap- 
proved by  the  Commandery  January  28,  1909: 

Ottawa  Commandery  attended  Faster  service  at  the 
Universalist  Church,  Marseilles,  111.,  with  fifty-six  swords 
in  line.      Rev.  Sir  Knight  II.  L.  Thornton,  pastor. 

Ottawa  Commandery  was  inspected  May  29,  1900,  by 
Em.  Sir  Harris  A.  Wheeler.  Grand  Recorder,  as  special 
inspection  officer.  The  Commandery  had  sixty-four  swords 
in  line  for  inspection.  There  were  thirty-seven  visiting 
Knights  in  attendance  and  a  royal  good  time  was  had. 

The  Silent  Voices. 
in  memoriam. 

"We  do  not  need  to  write  upon  the  walls 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDEKV.  287 

The  deeds  of  these,  our  dead.     Where  falls 

A  shadow  on  the  floor,  or   roof  above, 

Is  record  made,  a  silhouette  of  love; 

And  deep  within  our  hearts  we  seem  to  feel 

A  spirit  cause,  to  make  us  pause  and  kneel." 

It  is  with  a  most  profound  sense  of  our  inability  to  pen 
a  fitting-  tribute  to  the  memory  of  such  valiant  an<l  magnani- 
mous soldiers  of  the  Cross  as  our  late  beloved  fraters  :  Sam- 
uel S.  Pearson,  Edwin  T.  Read.  Frederick  A.  Peebles  and 
Joseph  Newton  Dunaway,  that  we  entered  upon  the  task 
assigned  to  this  committee. 

These  valiant  knights  have  unbuckled  their  armor  and 
laid  it  aside  forever,  they  have  "uncovered"  and  deposited 
their  chapeaus  at  the  foot  of  the  cross  on  which  is  inscribed 
"In  Hoc  Signo  Vinces" — "By  this  sign  thou  shalt  conquer." 
They  have  crossed  the  fabled  river  and  penetrated  the  great 
unknown,  that  far-away  land  of  infinite  space.  They  have 
met  and  saluted  with  the  Templar  sign  of  the  cross  our  be- 
loved and  immortal  Commanders:  Gray,  Rhoads,  Peckham, 
Wade,  Burgess,  Lininger,  Gibson,  McArthur  and  Trimble, 
and  the  valiant  fraters  of  our  Commandery  sojourning  there, 
and  with  whom  they  will  await  our  coming  to  meet  and 
greet  us  on  the  Elysian  fields  in  the  Paradise  of  God,  where 
their  silent  tongues  will  plead  for  us  before  the  God  of 
Justice.  Why  should  not  we  call  the  day  glorious  when  we 
shall  depart  to  join  that  divine  company  and  conclave  of 
spirits  and  quit  this  troubled  scene? 

As  we  reflect  upon  their  amiable  characters,  their  genial 
greetings  and  pleasant  smiles,  the  intelligence  and  love  that 
flashed  from  their  eyes,  should  not  we,  who  are  nearing  the 
portals  of  eternity,  comfort  ourselves  and  make  old  age 
more  tolerable,  even  delightful,  when  such  as  these  have 
gone  before  and  are  waiting  to  receive  and  greet  us  in  that 
holy  land? 

What  delight   will    it    afford  to  renew   with   them  that 


288  I  II  E    KNIGHTS   TIM  PL  VR, 

sweet  counsel  we  have  taken  together,  to  recount  the  hal- 
lowed scenes  in  our  asylum  when  we  participated  in  that 
emblematic  cup  of  death,  and  when  with  bended  knees  and 
ringers  interlaced  and  with  bowed  heads,  we  pronounced  in 
unison  the  immaculate  word:  "Immanuel."  Then,  when 
we  shall  have  finished  our  reminiscences,  to  approach  the 
thnnie  of  God  in  company  and  join  in  the  symphony  of 
angelic  voices  amid  the  splendors  and  fruitions  of  the  be- 
atific vision! 

"Oh  Death,  where  is  thy  sting? 
Oh  Grave,  where  is  thy  victory?'" 

Sir  Knight  Samuel  S.  Pearson 
\Yas  born  in  Ottawa,  111..  January  20,  1849,  an^  passed 
a wav  November  21,  1908.  He  was  the  son  of  Dr.  Pear- 
son, a  prominent  physician  during  the  pioneer  days  of  Ot- 
tawa. When  a  young  man  he  moved  with  his  parents  to 
Defiance.  Ohio,  where  he  resided  at  the  breaking-  out  of 
the  Civil  War,  when  he  enlisted  in  the  Third  Ohio  cavalry, 
and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war,  when  he  returned  to 
Ottawa. 

He  married  Miss  Emma  Congram  in  1879,  which  union 
was  blessed  by  five  children,  three  sons  and  two  daughters, 
who  were  the  joy  and  pride  of  his  life. 

His  sudden  taking  off  was  a  shock  to  his  family  and 
friends,  for  Sir  Knight  Pearson  was.  up  to  within  a  few 
minutes  of  his  demise,  engaged  in  the  active  pursuit  of  his 
vocation  and  meeting  and  greeting  his  friends  in  his  usual 
hearty,  care-free  manner. 

Sir  Knight  Samuel  S.  Pearson  was  a  member  of  Occi- 
dental Lodge.  Xo.  40.  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  Shabbona  Chapter. 
No.  ,^7.  R.  A.  M.,  and  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery,  Xo.  10,  K.  T..  May  10.  [898,  and  no  man  ever 
came  with  purer  heart  and  cleaner  hands  to  lav  upon  our 
sacred  altar  and  assume  the  vows  of  Christian  Knighthood. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  289 

Blunt  in  manner,  frank  in  speech,  yet  no  truer  friend  ever 
lived.  No  more  generous  heart  heat  in  a  human  hreast.  He 
had  a  keen  perception  of  the  right  that  gave  him  a  contempt 
for  anyone  in  whom  he  discovered  any  inclination  to  sub- 
ordinate right  to  policy.  Plain  and  outspoken  himself,  he 
could  not  endure  deceit  in  others.  While  he  respected  an 
open  opponent,  and  held  that  difference  of  opinion  was  no 
cause  for  severing  friendship,  he  never  afterward  trusted 
one  who  sought  to  win  his  favor  by  pretense  or  chicanery. 
He  was  an  earnest  and  self-reliant  man,  and  whenever  he 
supported  or  opposed  he  did  it  earnestly  and  zealously.  He 
was  frank  and  ready  in  his  denunciation  of  a  wrong,  and 
was  not,  therefore,  moved  to  concede  an  iota  of  a  principle. 
He  never  forgot  a  favor,  even  though  it  might  he  followed 
by  repeated  injuries;  the  sin  of  ingratitude  was  not  at  his 
door.  He  was  not  to  he  turned  from  following  that  which 
seemed  to  him  the  just  course  by  selfish  considerations  or 
because  others,  and  the  majority,  took  the  opposite  course. 

But,  greater  than  all  this,  he  was  a  loyal  husband  and  a 
tender  and  indulgent  father. 

To  the  bereaved  family  we  extend  the  sympathy  and 
condolence  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10.  Language 
fails  to  express  the  deep  emotions  of  sadness  that  fill  our 
hearts  when  we  realize  the  sudden  severing  of  his  earthly 
connection  with  us. 

Let  us  place  within  our  archives  this  record  of  his  vir- 
tues and  there  let  it  remain  as  a  lasting  testimony  of  his 
worth  and  to  keep  his  memory  fresh  within  our  hearts. 

Hail  and  farewell,  dear  brother,  faithful  knight! 

Sir  Knight  Frederick  Alexander  Peebles 
Was  horn  in  Akron,  Ohio,  Septemher  20,   1868,  and  com- 
pleted his  earthlv  pilgrimage  at  his  home  in  Ottawa,  sur- 
rounded by  his  loved  ones,  December  13,  1908. 


29O  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

Sir  ECnight  Peebles  had  been  in  failing  health  for  some 
time,  being  afflicted  with  valvular  heart  trouble.  Although 
warned  by  his  physician  that  the  summons  might  come  at 
any  time,  yet  he  did  not  give  ii]>  his  vocation,  that  (if  dis- 
trict superintendent  of  the  Metropolitan  Life  Insurance 
Company,  hnt  went  about  his  work  as  usual,  maintaining 
his  usual  cheerful  disposition  until  the  last. 

During  his  short  residence  in  our  city  he  had  acquired 
a  wide  and  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  best  people  in 
our  community.  It  was  his  strict  integrity  and  attentive- 
ness  to  business,  combined  with  his  strong  personality,  that 
placed  him  at  the  head  in  the  insurance  profession. 

He  was  a  member  of  Humboldt  Lodge,  Xo.  555,  A.  F. 
&  A.  M.,  Shabbona  Chapter,  Xo.  37,  R.  A.  A  I.,  was  crowned 
a  Sublime  Prince  of  the  Royal  Secret,  A.  A.  S.  R.,  in  Orien- 
tal Consistory,  Valley  of  Chicago,  April  25,  1907,  and 
knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  Xo.  10,  K.  T.,  May  2, 
1907. 

Esteemed  and  honored  as  he  was  in  his  public  relations 
of  life,  it  was  the  possession  of  those  noble  traits  of  char- 
acter and  finer  qualities  of  heart  which  endeared  him  in  so 
short  time  to  his  friends  and  gave  him  the  highest  claim 
to  the  admiration  of  those  who  fraternized  with  him  in  our 
Masonic  circles.  His  kind  and  genial  manners,  his  epiick 
and  generous  sympathies  opened  an  avenue  to  every  heart, 
and  his  straightforward  honesty  of  purpose  shone  out  so 
clearly  that  he  inspired  confidence  in  every  one  who  ap- 
proached him.  The  genuine  friendship  of  his  character  was 
always  apparent.  He  was  one  of  those  men  who  are  not 
content  to  look  out  for  themselves,  but  that,  in  whatever  po- 
sition of  life  he  might  have  been  placed,  he  would  have  been 
of  service  to  the  man  next  him. 

Hail  and  farewell,  dear  brother,  faithful  Knight!  So 
noblv  endowed  by  nature,   full  of  manly  and  virtuous  im- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  20,1 

pulses,  loyal  to  your  friends,  true  to  your  manhood,  your 
brother  Knights,  Soldiers  of  the  Cross,  join  with  your  be- 
reaved family  in  mourning  your  untimely  taking-  away.  Cut 
off  in  the  prime  of  your  usefulness,  we  have  lost  in  you  a 
bright  example  of  Christian  Knighthood,  a  priceless  jewel 
of  our  order.  The  great  work  laid  upon  your  two  score 
years  is  done,  and  well  done. 

Hail  and  farewell,  dear  brother,  faithful  knight! 

Sir  Knight  Edwin  T.  Read 
Was  born  in  New  York  state,  Christmas  day,    1832,  and 
passed  to  that  house  not  made  with  hands  November  22, 
1908. 

Sir  Knight  Edwin  T.  Read  came  to  Illinois  in  the  early 
fifties  and  located  on  a  farm  in  Grand  Rapids  township,  La 
Salle  county,  which  had  been  his  continuous  residence  to  the 
time  of  his  demise.  He  married  Miss  Helen  Ebersol  in 
1858.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Joseph  Ebersol,  one  of  the 
earliest  settlers  of  La  Salle  county.  She  died  a  number  of 
years  ago.     They  had  no  issue. 

Sir  Knight  Edwin  T.  Read  was  a  modest,  unassuming- 
man,  kindly  and  gentle  in  disposition,  and  a  well  wisher  for 
all  he  met  in  his  daily  walks  of  life.  He  was  a  thoroughly 
well  informed  man  on  all  topics  of  value  and  enjoyed  the 
society  of  well  informed  men.  He  was  a  farmer  by  occu- 
pation and  a  business  man  of  rare  sagacity,  and  his  efforts 
were  attended  with  a  corresponding  degree  of  success.  He 
was  a  member  of  Marseilles  Lodge,  No.  417,  A.  F.  &  A.  M., 
Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  $7,  -R.  A.  M.,  and  was  knighted  in 
Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  K.  T.,  September  1,  1887. 
His  residence  being  so  far  removed  from  his  Masonic  affilia- 
tions he  was  unable  to  be  an  active  member  in  our  mystic 
rites.  He  was,  however,  devotedly  attached  to  the  Order 
of  the  Temple,  and  in  years  gone  by,  we  older  members  re- 


J')-  THE   KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

] 

member  his  frequent  attendance  at  our  conclaves  and  partici- 
pations in  our  Templar  pilgrimages.  He  loved  the  institu- 
tion for  the  good  there  was  in  it,  and.  we  believe,  practiced, 
as  near  as  possible  for  frail  humanity,  the  virtues  which  it 
professes.  We  were  always  pleased  to  meet  and  greet  him 
in  our  fraternal  circles,  and  the  hearts  of  his  fraters  who 
knew  him  best  went  out  to  him  and  he  was  lovingly  en- 
shrined in  them  all. 

He  now  rests  secure  in  his  high  immortality,  alike  in 
his  Commandery  below  and  in  the  Heavenly  conclave  above. 

One  by  one,  as  fast  as  we  are  called,  and  as  far  as  we 
are  prepared,  we  shall  follow  after  him  along  the  still  way  to 
the  asylum  in  that  unknown  world  which  opens  only  to  the 
initiates  of  the  divine  degree  of  the  resurrection. 

Hail  and  farewell,  dear  brother,  faithful  knight! 

P.  Em.  Sir  Joseph  Xewtox  Dux  away. 

Our  late  f rater,  P.  Em.  Sir  Joseph  Newton  Dunaway, 
was  born  in  Green  county,  Pennsylvania,  October  14,  1835; 
departed  this  life  at  his  home  in  Ottawa,  111.,  Jan.  9,  1909, 
leaving  a  family  circle  of  three  sons  and  two  daughters  to 
mourn  his  loss. 

His  Masonic  career  began  when  he  was  raised  in  Occi- 
dental Lodge,  No.  40,  A.  E.  &  A.  M.,  August  2,  1880,  and 
was  Master  in  1899.  He  was  exalted  to  the  August  degree 
of  the  Holy  Arch  in  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37,  R.  A.  M., 
July  '1,  [881,  and  was  High  Priest  in  1007.  He  passed  the 
Circle  of  Perfection  in  Oriental  Council,  No.  63,  R.  &  S.  AT., 
in  [883,  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10. 
EC.  T.,  June  28,  1883,  and  was  Commander  in  [900,  1901 
and  [902.  He  was  constituted  a  Sublime  Prince  of  the 
Royal  Secret.  32d  degree,  A.  A.  S.  R.,  in  Oriental  Consis- 
tory, Valley  of  Chicago.  November  21,  1901. 

Our  beloved   Past  Commander  was  Prelate  of  Ottawa 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  293 

Commandery  at  the  time  of  his  death  and  had,  but  a  short 
time  previous  to  his  passing  away,  exemplified  the  beautiful 
Templar  burial  service  at  the  funerals  of  his  beloved  fraters, 
Edwin  T.  Read  and  Frederick  A.  Peebles,  and  was  most 
highly  complimented  on  the  excellent  and  impressive  man- 
ner in  which  he  led  in  this  beautiful  service.  It  was  quite 
marked  that  in  the  ceremonials  of  conferring  the  Orders  of 
Knighthood  while  Eminent  Commander  or  rendering  the 
beautiful  Templar  service  for  the  dead,  while  Prelate  of 
our  Commander}',  that  he  embraced  all  that  is  sublime,  im- 
pressive and  effective  in  the  teachings  and  observances  of 
Christian  Knighthood.  He  possessed  all  the  high  qualities 
which  are  necessary  for  the  appreciation  of  these  orders; 
their  ritualistic  formalities,  their  imposing,  solemn  and  im- 
pressive ceremonies,  their  teachings  to  the  heart  and  soul, 
all  were  deeply  engraven  on  his  mind,  and,  in  the  hours  of 
his  private  grief,  when  the  clouds  of  bereavement  gathered 
over  his  heart  and  home,  and  he  walked  through  the  bitter 
baptism  of  tears,  the  sublime  lessons  of  Christian  Knight- 
hood were  a  balm  to  his  afflicted  spirit. 

He  was  truly  a  "bright  Mason,"  not  in  that  common 
sense  applied  to  him  who  has  the  verbiage  merely  of  the 
order,  one  who  can  repeat  the  words  only,  without  feeling  or 
impress,  but  in  that  exalted  sense  where  brightness  is  ac- 
companied by  mental  brilliancy,  where  the  refined  taste  and 
intellect  lend  their  influence  to  enhance  the  value  of  lan- 
guage and  tend  to-  engrave  on  the  heart  and  the  conduct  of 
the  recipient  what  is  meant  by  Free  Masonry  and  Christian 
Knighthood. 

In  his  extemporaneous  addresses  and  presentation 
speeches  the  well-formed  sentences  seemed  to  flow  as 
smoothly  and  naturally  as  in  the  ritualistic  work  of  our 
order,  always  surprising  and  delighting  his  hearers  with 
both  the  brilliancy  of  his  thought  and  the  beauty  of  his  lan- 
guage. 


_>(;4  THE    KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

As  a  citi/.cn.  he  represented  the  graces  and  courtesies 

which  constitute  the  "tree  gentleman,"  the  internal  ex- 
cellencies, the  polished  soul,  the  compassionate  heart,  devoid 
of  all  selfishness,  that  enlarged  charity  which  "Thinketh  no 
evil,  but  rejoiceth  in  doing  good  to  all."  that  glorious  ema- 
nation well  expressed  in  the  epithet,  "A  good  soul,"  the  one 
earnestly  alive  to  all  the  cheerful,  pleasant  amenities  and 
humanities  of  the  world.  Such  were  the  high  qualities  that 
constituted  him  the  "true  man.  the  true  gentleman,  the 
honored  citizen,  the  revered  husband  and  father,  the  Chris- 
tian soldier  of  the  Cross." 

With  such  a  man  it  would  he  superfluous  to  add  that  his 
home  was  the  abode  of  domestic  affection  and  bliss,  of  all 
the  elegant  and  refined  excellencies  which  a  cultivated  taste 
and  mind,  such  as  his,  would  seek  to  acquire. 

To  his  sons  and  daughters,  who  most  mourn  his  passing 
away,  we  hereby  tender  renewed  assurance  of  our  abiding 
sympathy,  and  that  the  highest  tribute  of  respect  that  we 
can  offer  to  his  memory  is  to  pledge  ourselves  to  follow  in 
his  footsteps  and  to  emulate  his  virtues. 

Hail  and  farewell,  dear  brother,  faithful  knight! 

EXCERPTA:  Breadth  of  muscle  and  fierceness  of  spirit  no 
longer  constitute  the  standard  of  greatness  nor  the  test  of  virtue, 
but  the  whole  length  and  breadth  of  human  character  is  graduated 
by  the  scale  of  a  higher,  nobler  philosophy,  and  shines  in  the  light 
of  a  revealed  immortality. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY. 


-'95 


PHILIP  J.  WENDEL 
E.  C.  1909-10. 


1909-IO. 

The  forty-eighth  annual  conclave 
of  Ottawa  Commander)-  was  held  June 
10,  1909,  when  the  following  officers 
were  elected  and  appointed  for  the  en- 
suing Templar  year  : 

Philip  John  Wendel Commander 

Milton  Eben  Blanchard,  Generalissimo 
William  H.  Rollo  .  .  .Captain  General 
Peter  M.  Campbell  .  .  .Senior  Warden 
Samuel  B.  Bradford .  .Junior  Warden 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

Theodore  C.  Gibson Treasurer 

Robert  Lucien  Smith Recorder 

John  M.  Berg Standard  Bearer 

Charles  Beck Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.  Rodgers Warder 

William  Lee  Roy  Milligan Historian 

ddie  above  officers,  elected  and  appointed,  were  duly  in- 
stalled July  1,  1909,  by  P.  Em.  Sir  Henry  L,  Arnold,  as- 
sisted by  P.  Em.  Sir  George  C.  Dunaway,  acting  as  mar- 
shal. 

Created:  John  Franklin  Buehner,  Harlev  Elmer 
Booker,  Ole  E.  Benson,  Frank  Bruce  Davidson,  Herman 
Haines  Elder,  Elias  Erb,  George  Lester  Farnsworth,  George 
John  ( rleim,  George  Oliver  Grover,  Henry  G.  Gamber,  Fred- 
erick William  Gleim,  Carl  Clement  Lawrv,  Carl  William 
Lutz,  Robert  Charles  Lucas,  Edward  Farnsworth  Peck, 
Samuel  Congram  Pearson,  Charles  Henry  Stockley,  Benja- 
min Franklin  Tummel,  Charles  Paul  Vaupel. 
Affiliated:  James  B.  Herring. 
Reinstated :     Charles  Schaulin. 

Demitted:  Herman  Haines  Elder.  Frederick  Rudolph 
Kuhlman,  Edward  Chase  Lewis.  Leman  Aranah  Rising. 


_'(>f>  III  E    KNIGHTS   TKM  PLAR, 

Died:  Berkley  Gilbert  Barrett,  Samuel  Mm  id.  Charles 
Schaulin,    Sylvanns    Sumner    Thompson,    Charles    Arthur 

Wiley. 

Ottawa  Commandery  began  this  most  successful  year 
with  a  membership  of  one  hundred  and  eighty-two.  During 
the  past  Templar  year  nineteen  stated,  sixteen  special,  three 
emergent  and  one  Easter  conclaves  were  held,  a  total  of 
thirty-nine  conclaves. 

During  this  period  twenty  were  knighted,  one  admitted 
to  membership  and  one  reinstated,  making  a  total  gain  of 
twenty-two. 

The  losses  were:  demitted,  four,  and  died,  five;  a  total 
loss  of  nine;  leaving  a  net  gain  of  thirteen  and  a  member- 
ship  of  one  hundred  and  ninety-five. 

This  increase  in  membership  in  one  rear  has  heen  ex- 
ceeded by  hut  one  other  Commander  of  Ottawa  Command- 
ery; and  we  cannot  let  this  opportunity  pass  without  ex- 
pressing to  the  Commander  our  hearty  congratulations,  and 
with  the  acknowledgment  that  it  was  just  what  we  expected 
of  him.  His  personal  magnetism,  his  zeal  in  the  interest 
of  Templar  Masonry,  and  his  eloquent  and  impressive  man- 
ner of  exemplifying  the  beautiful  and  instructive  ritual  of 
our  order,  is  to  a  very  great  degree  responsible  for  the  suc- 
cessful showing  for  the  Templar  year  just  closed:  not  only 
for  the  number  knighted,  hut  also  in  a  financial  aspect,  for 
the  treasurer's  report  discloses  the  fact  that  the  year  was 
also  a  financial  success,  and  that  the  treasury  of  Ottawa 
Commandery  is  in  splendid  financial  condition. 

The  records  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  as  kept  by  our 
Recorder,  Robert  Lucien  Smith,  are  models  of  neatness  and 
accuracy,  and  the  Commandery  is  to  be  congratulated  in 
having  such  an  efficient  Recorder. 

Easter  service  was  observed  by  Ottawa   Commandery 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  29/ 

with  seventy  swords  in  line,  at  the  Episcopal  Church,  March 
27,  1910,  the  Rev.  Sir  Knight  George  W.  Farrar,  rector. 

The  Commander)-  was  inspected  May  12,  19 10,  by  Em. 
Sir  Stuart  Elwood  Pierson,  Grand  Senior  Warden  of  the 
Grand  Commandery.  Seventy-seven  swords  of  Ottawa 
Commandery  were  in  line  for  inspection.  There  were  pres- 
ent f<  irty-hve  visiting  f raters. 

"To  live  in  hearts  we  leave  behind  is  not  to  die." 

In  this  chapter  of  the  history  of  Ottawa  Commandery  we 
chronicle  the  death  of  rive  of  our  most  esteemed  f raters. 
Their  purity  of  life  and  honesty  of  purpose  was  devoted  to 
the  cause  of  truth  and  justice;  and  the  impress  of  their 
characters  has  been  left  upon  the  history  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery. 

After  having  lived  their  lives  of  usefulness  as  citizens, 
Masons,  Knights  and  Christians,  giving  practical  evidences 
of  their  faith  in  God,  hope  in  immortality,  and  charity  to 
all  mankind,  and  thus  illustrating  how  good  men  should 
live,  we  have  no  doubt  the  scenes  of  their  passing  away  most 
impressively  demonstrated  how  good  men  die. 

Thus,  as  time  rolls  on,  we  are  passing  away.  These 
events  speak  in  language  more  emphatic  and  pronounced 
than  mere  words,  and  inculcate  in  us  who  yet  are  among 
the  living  a  lesson  of  deep  significance. 

The  memorial  committee,  consisting'  of  M.  E.  Blanchard, 
W.  H.  Rollo  and  C.  R,.  Spencer,  presented  the  following 
tribute  to  the  memory  of  deceased  Frater  S.  S.  Thompson, 
which  was  read  and  approved  by  the  Commandery  May  26, 
1910: 

"Friend  after  friend  depart,"  and  each  year  grows  dark 
and  cheerless  when  we  are  compelled  to  bid  farewell  to 
those  who  for  many  years  have  been  our  comrades  and 
friends. 


298  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

Another  dark  cloud  has  come  over  our  asylum,  and  with 
it  came  that  swift  messenger,  the  relentless  hunter  of  men. 
whose  coming  none  can  forbid,  and  whose  demands  are 
always  answered. 

The  last  summons  came  and  was  answered  by  our  late 
Frater  Sylvanus  S.  Thompson,  who  died  at  his  home  in 
Marseilles,  111..  April  30,   [910. 

Solemn  is  the  silence  of  death,  impressive  the  closed 
lips  which  do  not  tell  us  of  the  mysteries  beyond.  His  life 
and  its  work  is  a  matter  of  record  among  us,  for  it  has  heen 
a   public  life. 

Sir  Knight  Thompson  was  horn  in  Washington  county, 
Pennsylvania,  January  10,  1847.  Moved  with  his  parents 
to  Illinois  in  1854  and  settled  in  Grand  Rapids  township. 
La  Salle  county.  111.,  where  he  resided  for  thirty-eight 
years.  Moved  to  Marseilles  in  1881,  was  appointed  post- 
master by  President  McKinley  July,  1898,  appointed  to 
succeed  himself  by  President  Roosevelt  June,  1902,  and  re- 
appointed by  President  Roosevelt  May,  1906,  and  was  again 
honored  hv  President  Taft  to  the  same  in  April,  1910. 

That  he  was  always  courteous  and  congenial,  ready  to 
help  or  to  comfort  was  evidenced  by  his  largely  attended 
funeral,  which  showed  the  respect  in  which  his  memory  was 
held. 

"The  clods  have  fallen  upon  his  casket,  hut  the  sunshine 
lingers  about  his  memory." 

Our  brother  will  he  long  remembered  for  the  many  kind 
acts  of  a  busy  and  devoted  life.  The  Masonic  brethren  in 
large  numbers  formed  in  front  of  the  house  and  slowly  led 
the  procession  to  Riverview  cemetery,  the  members  of  the 
Knights  Templar  formed  a  wide  cordon  in  which  a  smaller 
square  was  formed  hv  members  of  the  Blue  Lodge,  drawn 
up  in  close  formation.  After  the  rendering  of  the  Masonic 
service  and  with  the  sprigs  of  evergreen  dropping  upon  the 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COM  M  ANDERY.  299 

coffin  the  body  of  Sylvanus  S.  Thompson,  Marseilles'  re- 
spected public  servant,  was  laid  to  rest. 

Brother  Thompson  was  raised  to  the  Sublime  degree  of 
Master  Mason  in  Marseilles  Lodge,  No.  417,  September, 
1883,  was  exalted  to  the  August  degree  of  the  Holy  Royai 
Arch  in  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  ^y.  Royal  Arch  Masons. 
December,  1883,  and  created  a  Knight  Templar  in  Ottawa 
Commandery,  No.  10,  K.  T.,  April  7,  1898. 

Sir  Knights,  the  work  of  your  committee  is  not  a  pleas- 
ant one.  To  be  writing  this  report  is  like  communing  with 
the  dead,  and  as  we  go  down  the  dark  valley  into  the  very 
shadow  of  death  to  pen  our  last  tribute  to  the  memory  of 
our  beloved  brother,  the  shadows  thicken  the  gloom,  and  we 
feel,  or  seem  to  feel,  the  icy  arms  of  the  grim  reaper  about 
us,  and  we  wonder  how  soon  we  may  be  living  only  in 
lrfemory. 

But  through  the  gloom  there  shines  the  stars  of  faith, 
and  in  the  shadows  of  the  acacia  blooms  the  emblem  of  im- 
mortality, and  we  are  reminded  that : 

There  must  be  some  clouds  foreboding, 

But  they  bring  refreshing  rain; 
There  must  be  some  night  of  darkness, 

But  the  morning  comes  again. 

There  must  be  some  days  of  sorrow, 

In   our   journey   here   below; 
But  they  brighter  make  the  morrow, 

With  its  Heaven-light  aglow. 

EXCERPTA:  By  your  daily  walk  and  deportment,  and  an  un- 
swerving fidelity  to  every  principle  promulgated  and  every  lesson 
taught,  illustrate  that  you  are  worthy  successors  of  those  men  who, 
fired  by  love  and  strengthened  by  hope,  in  support  of  these  very 
principles,  baptized  in  blood   the  vows  of  knighthood. 


!<X> 


Til  E    KNIGHTS    I'K.M  PLAR. 


M.  E.  BLANCH'D,  33° 
E.  C.  1910-11. 


[9IO- ]  I  . 

The  fiirty-ninth  animal  conclave 
of  (  Mtawa  Commandery  was  convened 
June  10.  [910,  when  the  following 
officers  were  elected  and  appointed  for 
the  ensuing  Templar  year: 
Milton  Eben  Blanchard ..  Commander 
William  Harper  Rollo.  .Generalissimo 
Peter  M.  Campbell ..  Captain  General 

Charles  Beck Senior  Warden 

Samuel  C.  Pearson.  .  .Junior  Warden 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

Theodore  C.  Gibson Treasurer 

Robert  Lucien   Smith Recorder 

John  Mathias  Berg Standard  Bearer 

Benjamin  Franklin  Tummel Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.  Rodgers Warder 

Joseph  Adams  Wilson Sentinel 

Anthony  I).  Simon Organist 

William  Lee  Roy  Milligan Historian 

The  above  officers  were  installed  June  23.  1910.  by  P. 
Em.  Sir  William  L.  Milligan,  assisted  by  P.  Em.  Sir  Henry 
L.  Arnold,  as  marshal. 

Created:  Joseph  Hatheway  Pearson.  Wilson  Conard, 
Fred  L.  Jones.  Adam  Shufelt.  Edward  C.  Brignon,  Axel 
Heiberg,  Lynn  A.  Bteardsley,  Prosper  J.  Malaise.  William 
D.  Mundorff,  Charles  B.  Daggett.  John  H.  Goodell.  George 
W.  Sterrett.  John  G.  Yenerick,  William  Robert  Maxwell. 
Alexander  McLean.  Charles  B.  Herring.  Frederick  C. 
Praefcke,  Jos.  B.  Gaussin.  Wm.  P.  Messenie,  Chester  P. 
Reed. 

Affiliated:     Nathan  G.  Newport. 

Reinstated:     Francis  P.  DuPlain,  Ahram  C.  Godfrey. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  3OI 

D emitted:     William  H.  Higby,  William  B.  Myers. 

Died:     Francis  L.  Fiske,  Rezin  N.  Thompson. 

Fifty  years  have  come  and  gone  since  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery  was  organized  under  dispensation. 

Of  those  who  were  charter  members  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery  fifty  years  ago,  only  two  are  among  the  living- 
Past  Grand  Commander  John  Fisk  Nash  and  Past  Com- 
mander Theodore  C.  Gibson,  who  have  been  crowned  with 
honors  by  Ottawa  Commandery,  and  wielded  their  Damas- 
cus blades  in  our  asylum  for  fifty  years  untarnished  by  flight 
or  shame. 

When  the  late  venerable  editor  of  the  Ottawa  Free 
Trader,  William  Osman,  who  was  a  charter  member  of  Oc- 
cidental Lodge,  had  finished  reading  a  copy  of  the  "White 
Apron,"  a  history  of  Occidental  Lodge,  he  met  me  and  re- 
marked :  "William,  I  could  not  help  but  observe,  as  I  ran 
down  the  list  of  members  of  Occidental  Lodge,  in  the 
'White  Apron,"  that  every  man  of  prominence  in  the  early 
days  of  old  Ottawa  was  a  Free  Mason."  So,  my  fraters, 
can  the  same  be  recorded  of  the  membership  of  Ottawa 
Commandery  since  its  organization. 

The  Recorder's  report  for  the  year  closed  shows  that 
the  membership  of  the  Commandery  at  the  close  of  the  year 
was  one  hundred  and  ninety-five,  and  that  during  the  past 
year  nineteen  have  been  created,  one  affiliated  and  two  re- 
instated, and  two  passed  to  their  eternal  rest. 

This  is  an  excellent  showing  and  the  Eminent  Com- 
mander deserves  the  sincere  thanks  of  this  Commandery 
for  his  untiring  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  Commandery. 

On  invitation  of  Blaney  Commandery,  twenty  fraters  of 
Ottawa  Commandery  enjoyed  a  very  pleasant  and  profitable 
visit  to  old  Blaney  on  the  13th  of  March,  191  1,  and,  on  imi- 
tation of  Streator  Commandery,  seven  were  royally  enter- 


3°2 


Til  K    KMCHTS    TKM  I'l.AR, 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  3O3 

tained  by  our  daughter  Commandery  at  Streator  on  the 
25th  of  April,  1 9 1 1 . 

Sixty-one  fraters  of  Ottawa  Commandery  attended 
Easter  service  at  the  Congregational  Church. 

There  have  been  held  during  the  past  Templar  year 
thirty-five  regular  and  special  conclaves  and  one  emergent 
and  one  Easter  conclave.  Of  the  thirty-five  conclaves  the 
Eminent  Commander  attended  thirty-two,  while  the  average 
attendance  of  the  regularly  elected  officers  at  each  conclave 
was  only  six,  and  of  the  fraters  fourteen. 

The  new  Masonic  Temple  has  been  the  foremost  topic 
among  the  fraters  of  Ottawa  Commandery  during  the  past 
Templar  year;  plans  for  which  were  presented  and  ap- 
proved by  the  Commandery  on  the  13th  of  October,  1910, 
and  on  the  20th  of  October  following  the  Commandery  au- 
thorized the  issuing  of  eighty  $50.00  4  per  cent,  notes  to 
meet  the  Commandery's  share  of  expense  in  the  building  of 
the  Temple. 

On  the  24th  of  November,  1910,  Sir  William  I).  Ful- 
lerton  and  wife  deeded  the  undivided  one-fourth  interest 
in  the  lot  purchased  by  the  Masonic  bodies  on  Columbus 
street  to  the  Commander)-. 

On  the  22(1  of  December,  19 10,  by-laws  were  amended 
creating  a  Masonic  Temple  committee,  to  act  in  conjunction 
with  a  like  committee  created  by  Occidental  Lodge,  No.  40, 
A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  Humboldt  Lodge,  No.  555,  A.  F.  &  A. 
M.,  and  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37,  R.  A.  M.,  for  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  temple,  or  holding  body. 

Idie  committee  having  in  charge  the  construction  of  the 
new  temple  deserve  the  thanks  of  the  Commandery  for  the 
excellent  and  satisfactory  manner  in  which  they  have  car- 
ried on  this  work  to  its  completion. 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  command  of  Em.  Sir  M. 
E.    Blanchard,   Commander,  attended    the    thirty-first    tri- 


304  THE    KNIGHTS    TEMPLAR, 

ennial  conclave  of  the  Grand  Encampment  of  Knights 
Templar  in  Chicago  August  9,   1910. 

rhe  Commandery,  with  ninety-one  swords  in  line,  em- 
barked on  a  G,  l\.  I.  &  I*.  train  at  6  a.  m.,  and  were  joined 
by  twenty-two  fraters  of  St.  John's  Commandery,  of  Peru, 
111.,  in  the  parade  which,  with  the  sixty-four  fraters  of  Ot- 
tawa Commandery  participating  in  the  parade,  made  a  total 
of  eighty-six  swords  in  line  to  the  credit  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery. 

The  picture  herein  shows  Ottawa  Commandery  in  the 
parade  during  the  Triennial  Conclave  of  the  Grand  En- 
campment in  Chicago,  1910.  as  they  were  passing  the 
Palmer  House  on  State  street.  Em.  Sir  M.  E.  Blanchard 
and  staff,  consisting  of  W.  13.  F'nllerton.  Henry  Mayo,  P.  J. 
Wendel  (M.  E.  Blanchard,  E.  C),  H.  L.  Arnold  and 
H.  B.  McKahin  in  fore  part  of  picture  dimly  shown.  W.  IT. 
Polio  marching  in  front  of  first  platoon.  Other  members 
of  Ottawa  Commandery  participating,  as  shown  in  picture 
and  records  of  the  Commandery,  are  David  Refior,  James 
Gentleman,  M.  L,  Sample,  L.  Gowen,  E.  R.  Spencer,  G.  A. 
Crowden  (then  member  of  Bethany,  No.  28,  Mendota,  111.), 
J.  L.  Barnard,  Charles  Beck.  J.  1-  Becker,  H.  E.  Brooker, 
R.  J.  Callagan,  C.  W.  Campbell,  l\  M.  Campbell,  C.  B. 
Chapman,  J.  W.  Clegg,  Wilso.n  Conard,  \\  ni.  Conger,  F. 
B.  Courtright,  F.  B.  Davidson,  Geo.  C.  Dunaway,  W.  D. 
Duncan,  H.  L.  Eastegord,  Elias  Erb,  Geo.  L.  Farnsworth, 
J.  P.  H.  Francis,  C.  W.  Fredenburg,  H.  G.  Gamber,  E,  E. 
Gladfelter,  G.  J.  Gleim,  H.  L.  Kline,  R.  E.  Knott,  G.  J. 
Krnse.  1.  [.  Lacy,  P.  C.  Lucas,  Camillus  McClure,  Wm. 
McKahin,  F.  E.  Mader,  G.  J.  Malaise,  Carl  Metzger,  \\  .  B. 
Myers,  J.  H.  Pearson,  S.  C.  Pearson,  E.  F.  Peck,  S.  B. 
Peed,  A.  J.  Roberts,  P.  L.  Smith,  W.  D.  Strawn,  C.  H. 
Stockley,  G.  \\  .  Thompson,  R.  X.  Thompson,  A.  L.  Trager, 
T.  H.  Trimmer.  P.  F.  Tummel,  11.  Waldecker,  G.  J.  Wa- 
ters, A.  I.  Weirick  and  Win.  Wilson. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  (OMMANDERY.  305 

Past  R.  Lm.  Sir  Al.  F.  Schoch  was  on  the  Grand  Com- 
mander's staff  and  had  charge  of  the  second  subdivision 
of  Illinois  Commanderies  taking  part  in  the  parade. 

When  Pompey  the  Great  told  the  Dictator  of  Rome 
that :  "More  worshipped  the  rising-  than  the  setting  sim," 
he  nttered  a  great  truth,  and  one  that  applies  to  institutions 
as  well  as  to  individuals. 

When  an  organization  is  known  to  be  prosperous  and 
carefully  managed  it  is  generally  popular,  especially  with 
its  own  members,  who  take  pride  in  attending  its  meetings ; 
hut  if  it  becomes  involved  in  debt,  and  particularly  so  if 
brought  about  by  mismanagement,  then  much  of  the  in- 
terest and  pride  felt  by  the  members  in  its  welfare  is  lost. 

Let  a  Commandery  or  any  other  institution  be  known 
to  be  involved  in  debt,  or  on  the  decline,  and  there  are  but 
few  proselytes  to  do  it  reverence  or  share  its  embarrassed 
fortune. 

Within  the  memory  of  a  few  of  our  oldest  f raters,  in- 
debtedness came  very  near  proving  fatal  to  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery as  well  as  to  Occidental  Lodge  and  Shabbona 
Chapter,  when  otherwise  they  had  every  opportunity  to 
succeed. 

The  discussion  of  an  indebtedness  incurred  in  the  build- 
ing of  the  Masonic  temple  and  Opera  House  block  in  the 
early  seventies  produced  discord  and  was  a  source  of  con- 
tinual crimination  and  re-crimination  among  the  members, 
that,  to  avoid  the  discussion  of  the  subject,  a  large  number 
demitted,  and  others,  although  they  paid  their  dues,  never 
attended  the  meetings  of  any  of  the  bodies. 

One  of  the  first  lessons  we  are  taught  in  Masonrv  is, 
that  "harmony  is  the  strength  and  support  of  all  institu- 
tions, especially  ours;"  and  there,  perhaps,  never  was  a 
time  in  the  history  of  Ottawa  Commander}'  when  it  be- 
hooves the  fraters  and  officers  to  heed  this  admonition  more 
than  at  the  present. 


306  THE    KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

The  indebtedness  incurred  by  the  Commandery  in  as- 
sisting in   the  construction   and   completion  of  one  of  the 

most  magnificent  temples  in  Illinois,  adapted  and  dedicated 
to  purely  Masonic  purposes,  and  to  which  we  point  with 
just  pride,  and  congratulate  the  building  committee  on  their 
excellent  judgment  and  management  of  this  great  work, 
makes  it  incumbent  on  the  fraters  of  the  Commandery  to 
exercise  discretion  in  the  selection  of  officers  for  the  en- 
suing Templar  year. 

We  trust  that  you  will  cast  aside  your  'personal  feelings 
and  make  a  selection  of  officers  peculiarly  adapted  for  the 
office  to  which  the)'  may  have  been  elected,  and  that  they 
will  attend  regularly  the  stated  and  special  conclaves  of 
the  Commandery. 

The  welfare  and  success  of  Ottawa  Commandery  is  of 
far  more  importance  than  the  personal  ambition  of  any  one 
or  more  of  the  fraters  for  official  position,  regardless  of  their 
qualifications. 

We  trust  that  the  officers  whom  you  shall  he  pleased  to 
honor  with  your  preferment,  this  evening,  will  show  their 
gratitude  and  appreciation  for  the  confidence  reposed  in 
them,  by  a  prompt  and  regular  attendance  at  all  the  con- 
claves of  the  Commandery,  as  well  as  a  diligent  and  con- 
scientious preparation  for  the  part  to  be  performed  hy  them, 
and  thus  insure  the  exemplification  of  the  Orders  of  the 
Temple  in  such  a  manner  as  to  make  a  favorable  and  lasting 
impression  on  the  neophyte,  stimulate  the  zeal  of  the  fraters, 
and  redound  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery. 

We  find  by  a  reference  to  the  records  of  the  Command- 
ery, that  our  Commander.  Sir  M.  EL  Blanchard,  for  the 
Templar  year  just  closed,  although  residing  at  Marseilles. 
eight  miles  distant,  has  attended  thirty-two  of  the  thirty- 
seven  conclaves  held  during  the  past  Templar  year,   while 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  307 

the  subordinate  officers  residing  within  the  corporate  limits 
of  Ottawa,  who  were  elected  as  his  support  at  the  last  an- 
nual conclave,  show  only  an  average  attendance  of  six,  and 
we  regret  to  report  that,  at  three  conclaves  attended  by  the 
Commander,  there  were  not  present  one  single  officer  to 
assist  him  with  the  work  of  conferring  the  orders. 

This  is  not  as  it  should  be,  and  the  sooner  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery  abandons  the  practice  of  treating  the  selection  of 
officers  with  indifference  as  to  their  qualifications  and  rec- 
ords for  punctual  attendance  at  the  conclaves  of  the  Com- 
mandery,  the  better  it  will  be  for  the  Commandery. 

I  am,  and  always  have  been,  in  favor  of  nominations 
being  made  in  the  selection  of  office-bearers  of  Masonic 
bodies,  whereby  the  members  can  more  intelligently  select 
from  the  nominees  whom  thev  desire  as  office-bearers,  and 
not  be  casting  their  ballots  promiscuously  for  "Tom," 
"Dick"  and  "Harry." 

If  a  great  many,  yes,  the  large  majority,  of  those  who 
attend  the  annual  conclaves  of  the  Commandery  would  be 
as  punctual  and  zealous  in  their  attendance  on  the  regular 
and  stated  conclaves  of  the  Commandery,  and  note  the 
average  attendance  of  the  officers,  they  would  be  far  better 
equipped  to  make  a  wise  and  judicious  selection  of  officers. 

I  am,  also,  one  who  is  not  favorably  impressed  with  the 
practice  gotten  into,  of  late  years,  of  rotating  officers  from 
the  bottom  toward  the  top  each  year,  and  limit  the  ser- 
vices of  an  excellent  and  efficient  presiding  officer  to  one 
year,  and  thus  deprive  the  Commandery  of  one  who,  if 
continued,  would  still  greater  improve  in  proficiency,  and 
increase  the  zeal  of  the  fraters  in  their  interest  and  attend- 
ance at  the  conclaves:  but,  instead,  by  our  rotating  process, 
we  are  often  installing  one  as  our  presiding  officer  who,  for 
lack  of  the  necessary  qualifications,  destroys  the  interest  and 
zeal  attained  by  the  fraters  created  under  the  magnetism  of 
the  officer  whom  you  rotated  out  of  office. 


3<  >8  III  E    KNIGHTS   TKM  I'l.AK, 

Had  this  system  been  practiced  in  the  past,  during  the 
incumbency  of  1*.  Em.  Sir  Al.  F.  Schoch,  who  served  as 
Eminent  Commander  four  consecutive  years,  or  P.  Km.  Sir 
John  F.  Nash,  who  served  the  Commandery  as  Commander 
seven  consecutive  years,  Ottawa  Commandery  would  never 
have  been  honored  hy  the  Grand  Commandery  in  their  se- 
lection to  pass  through  the  chair  of  that  honorable  body. 
Em.  Sir  Albert  F.  Schoch  was  elected  Grand  Warder  of 
the  Grand  Commandery  after  having  heen  elected  Com- 
mander of  Ottawa  Commandery  the  fourth  consecutive 
term,  and  Em.  Sir  John  F.  Xash,  Grand  Commander,  after 
having"  heen  elected  Commander  the  seventh  consecutive 
term. 

As  gleaned  from  the  records  of  Ottawa  Commander)', 
there  have  heen  convened  during  the  past  Templar  year 
thirty-seven  stated  and  special  conclaves  of  the  Commandery. 
and  that  the  average  attendance  of  the  fraters  was  only 
fourteen,  and  that  at  two  conclaves  there  was  only  a  hare 
quorum,  and  at  several  conclaves  scarcely  enough  fraters 
present  to  form  triangle  guard  in  conferring  the  Order  of 
the  Temple. 

The  records  of  the  Commander}"  show  that  we  have  a 
roster  of  two  hundred  and  fifteen,  and  of  this  number  one 
hundred  and  twentv  reside  within  the  corporate  limits  of 
the  city  ( »f  ( )ttawa.  Thus  we  find  that  the  average  absentees 
at  the  conclaves  of  the  Commandery  during  the  past 
Templar  year  was  one  hundred  and  six. 

Can  it  he  possible  that  in  this  beautiful  city,  with  a  popu- 
lation away  above  the  average  in  what  makes  for  good  citi- 
zenship, that  only  16  per  cent,  of  the  fraters  of  Ottawa 
Commandery  are  zealous  and  faithful  members  of  Ottawa 
Commandery  and  the  Order  of  Christian  Knighthood? 

It  cannot  he  possible  that  84  per  cent,  of  our  member- 
ship have  enlisted  for  personal  and  mercenary  motives  only. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  309 

We  cannot  nor  will  not  believe  such  to  be  the  case.  Tt  is 
true  that  when  there  are  held  stated  occasions,  such  as  in- 
spection of  the  Commander)-,  or  visitation  of  some  notable, 
there  is  always  a  splendid  showing  of  members.  So,  also, 
is  there  when  the  Commanderv  musters  before  the  public, 
as  on  Easter  day,  when  nearly  one  hundred  snow  white 
plumes  are  seen  waxing  in  the  breeze  and  one  hundred 
swords  glistening  in  the  sunshine. 

Is  this  for  the  honor  and  glory  of  the  individual  Knight 
or  for  the  honor  and  glory  of  the  Commandery,  or  that  yon 
all  want  to  show  a  disposition  to  reform  your  habits,  etc.? 

If  for  the  fraternity,  why  not  support  your  officers  and 
give  them  an  average  attendance  of  at  least  20  per  cent,  of 
the  home  membership?  It  is  an  injustice  for  a  Com- 
mandery, with  the  reputation  abroad  for  knightly  achieve- 
ments that  crown  Ottawa  Commandery,  to  select  office- 
bearers and  not  support  them  in  their  endeavor  to  preserve 
the  standard  of  excellence  attained  by  Ottawa  Commandery. 
It  is  an  imposition  on  the  officers,  detracts  from  the  inspira- 
tion in  the  work  and  nullifies  all  efforts  to  make  a  lasting  and 
favorable  impression  on  the  neophyte.  We  do  not  believe 
there  is  a  single  frater,  whose  name  is  on  the  roster  of  Ot- 
tawa Commander}-,  but  is  at  heart  a  Knight  Templar  and 
a  sincere  devotee  of  the  Order  of  Knighthood.  Neither  do 
we  believe  that  anv  one  absents  himself  from  the  conclaves 
of  the  Commandery  for  the  purpose  of  injuring  the  Com- 
mandery, or  imposing  a  thankless  duty  on  the  officers:  but 
that  is  the  verv  thing  that  you  are  unintentionally  doing.  It 
is  just  as  important  that  you  should  attend  the  conclaves  ^\ 
your  Commandery  and  assist  the  officers  in  the  conferring 
of  the  orders  and  transacting  the  business  of  the  Com- 
mandery behind  guarded  doors  as  it  is  to  appear  in  public, 
with  sword  and  baldric,  and  waving  plume,  attending  Easter 
service  or  any  other  public  occasion  or  demonstration. 


310  Til  E    KNIGHTS   TKM  I'l.Ak, 

Lei  us  have  a  reformation  in  attendance  at  the  conclaves. 
The  Order  of  Knights  Templar  is  an  ancient  and  hon- 
orable  institution,   and    men,    noted    men,    of   all    Christian 

faiths  have  deemed  it  a  high  honor  to  become  affiliated 
therewith. 

It  is  a  semi-military  organization,  allied  with  an- 
cient craft  Masonry.  It  is  a  moral,  social  and  fraternal 
order  and  its  basis  is  the  good  sense,  honesty  and  morality 
of  its  de\(  !ees.  The  virtues  we  cherish  are  founded  on 
the  Christian  religion,  which  the  experience  of  human  life 
proves  has  been  the  might)'  source  which  has  developed  and 
safeguarded  the  highest  type  of  civilization  known  to  man. 

As  an  order  we  neither  ostracize  the  poor  man  nor  seek 
the  rich  man  in  choosing  our  membership,  neither  dn  we 
seek  the  erratic  scintillations  oi  the  genius  nor  the  unimpres- 
sionable apathy  of  the  ignorant. 

The  Order  of  Knights  Templar  represents  on  its  roster 
the  practical  common  sense  r\i  the  whole  community — solid 
men  of  judgment,  selected  from  men  interested  in  society 
for  the  good  of  society. 

Upright  and  honorable  men  in  all  the  walks  of  life,  who 
are  firm  believers  in  the  Christian  religion — the  divinity  of 
our  Redeemer — His  birth,  death  and  resurrection. 

We  welcome  good  men  of  all  parties,  and  believe  the 
oftener  thev  meet  and  fraternize  in  our  asylum  the  better 
they  will  be  for  it.  We  welcome  men  of  different  Christian 
faiths  as  we  do  those  who  differ  in  politics  or  business  af- 
fairs. 

In  Commanderies  of  Knights  Templar  the  solid  char- 
acter is  the  test  of  the  man — his  equity,  his  prudence,  his 
energy,  his  social  worth  and  his  Christian  faith,  and  in 
this  his  benevolent  qualities  are  included. 

We  improve  good  men.  but  the  foundation  must  be 
there,    must    exist    before.      A     Commandery     of     Knight'- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  311 

Templar  possesses  no  divine  power  to  regenerate  a  de- 
generate, to  change  a  foolish  man  to  a  man  of  wisdom,  or  a 
rogue  to  an  honest  man. 

But,  give  the  order  good  material  to  begin  on,  and  of 
such  men  she  will  make  hetter  men.  and  better  citizens,  dav 
hv  day,  as  long  as  they  live. 

We  had  hoped  that  the  year  would  pass  without  the 
grim  messenger  of  death  paying  our  Commandery  a  visit: 
but  he  came  on  July  25,  1910,  and  deprived  our  ranks  of 
one  of  our  oldest  and  most  esteemed  fraters,  Sir  Francis 
Lyman  Fiske.  Sir  Fiske  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery August  [8,  1 80S,  and  had  always  been  true  to 
his  Templar  vows.  He  was  one  of  Ottawa's  most  pro- 
gressive business  men  and  did  much  for  the  welfare  of  the 
city  and  community,  lie  left  to  mourn  his  passing  away 
his  widow  and  two  daughters,  to  whom  Ottawa  Command- 
ery extends  its  condolence  and  sympathy  in  their  hour  of 
grief. 

Sir  Rezin  Naylor  Thompson  was  horn  in  Marseilles,  111., 

October  26,  1858.     Was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery 

March  26,  1903,  and  passed  to  his  reward  May  7,  191 1.     Sir 

Thompson  was  a  valiant  and  magnanimous  knight  and  held 

in   the  highest   esteem  by   those   who  had  the  pleasure  of 

forming   his   acquaintance.      He   left    to   mourn    his   loss    a 

wife  and  one  son,  to  whom  Ottawa  Commandery  extends 

its  sympathy  and  condolence  in  their  hour  of  bereavement. 

His  funeral  was  under  the  auspices  of  the  Commandery  and 

was  largely  attended. 

Like  the  brown  leaves  our  loved  ones  drop  away. 

One  after  one,  in  the  dark  abyss, 

Of  sleep  and  death;   the  frosts  of  trouble  lay 

Their  withered  touch  upon  our  happiness, 

Even   as    the   hoar-frosts   of   the   Autumn   kiss 

The  green  life  from  the  unoffending  leaves; 

And  Love,  and  Hope,  and  youth's  warm  cheerfulness 

Flit  from  the  heart; — Age  lonely  sits  and  grieves, 

Or  sadly  smiles,  while  youth  his  day-dreams  fondly  weave. 


J 


12 


111  E    K  NIGHTS   TKM  PLAR. 


KXCKRl'TA:  Again  to-day  1  admonish  you  of  the  saeredness 
of  our  faith,  and  remind  you  thai  only  in  its  sign  may  you  con- 
quer. 


WM.  H.  ROLLO, 
E.  C.  1911-12. 


IQI  I-I2. 

The  fiftieth  animal  conclave  of  Ot- 
tawa Commandery  was  convened  June 
8,  1911,  when  the  following  officers 
were  elected  and  appointed  for  the  en- 
suing Templar  year : 
William  Harper  Rollo  .  .  .Commander 
George  Craft  Dunaway .  Generalissimo 
John  Mathias  Berg.  .  Captain  General 
George  John  Waters.  .Senior  Warden 
John  William  Clegg.  .Junior  Warden 

Walter  Briggs  Titus Prelate 

Theodore  C.  Gibson Treasurer 

Robert  Lucien  Smith Recorder 

Albert  Lawrence  Trager Standard  Bearer 

La  Rue  Perene  Shaver Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.  Rodgers Warder 

Harry  Jndson  Lee Sentinel 

William  L.  Milligan   Historian 

The  above  officers  were  duly  installed  June  28,  191 1, 
P.  G.  Com.  Albert  F.  Schoch,  installation  officer,  assisted  by 
P.  Com.  P.  J.  Wendel,  as  marshal. 

Created:  Arthur  J.  Spaulding,  Royal  E.  Willsey,  John 
A.  Wilson.  William  Herbert  Stockley,  Oliver  J.  Belknap. 
Perry  G.  Stordock,  Henry  C.  Miller.  John  S.  Edgcomb, 
Arthur  I).  Prichard,  Frederick  S.  Prichard,  Simon  C. 
Geiger,  William  E.  Berndt.  Glenn  W.  Weese,  Arthur  J. 
Shnte,  Henry  I).  Osgood.  William  C.  Russell,  Ray  A. 
Carter,  David  R.  Conard,  William  I*.  Fread,  Charles  S.  Roe. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  313 

Affiliated:  George  A.  Crowden,  Harry  J.  Lee,  Edward 
A.  Reed,  William  J.  McKahin. 

Reinstated:     Eugene  Moffitt. 

Dcmittcd:  Merman  S.  Blanchard,  Edwin  C.  IE  Raben- 
stein. 

Suspended:     Oscar  J.  Ackerman. 

Died:  Theodore  C.  Gibson,  Wilson  Conard,  Benjamin 
F.  Trnmbo,  Camillns  McClure,  Louis  Rohrer. 

The  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  chartering  of  Ottawa 
Commandery,  No.  10,  K.  T.,  falling  within  the  present 
Templar  year,  together  with  the  completion  and  occupa- 
tion of  the  new  Masonic  Temple,  made  it  an  auspicious  year 
in  Templar  Masonry  in  Ottawa  and  vicinity. 

October  30,  191  1.  the  semi-centennial  anniversary  of 
Ottawa  Commandery  was  celebrated.  More  than  six  hun- 
dred knights  and  ladies  fair  were  present  with  a  represen- 
tation from  Commanderies  from  Joliet,  Morris,  Aurora, 
Mendota,  Pern,  Streator,  Princeton  and  Chicago.  It  was 
an  elaborate  affair  and  the  program  was  carried  out  to  the 
letter  with  the  exception  the  rain  eleminated  the  grand  pa- 
geant or  parade  of  Commanderies  which  was  scheduled  to 
be  the  distinguishing  feature  of  the  celebration. 

September  25,  191 1,  Ottawa  Commandery  performed 
the  last  sad  rites  for  P.  Com.  Theodore  Cunningham  Gib- 
son. 

October  26,  191 1,  the  daughters  of  our  late  f rater,  Fran- 
cis L.  Fiske,  presented  Ottawa  Commandery  with  a  beau- 
tiful pitcher. 

November  8,  191 1,  Ottawa  Commandery  performed 
the  last  sad  rites  for  Sir  Benjamin  Franklin  Trnmbo. 

December  20,  191 1,  Ottawa  Commandery  performed  the 
last  sad  rites  for  Sir  Wilson  Conard. 

February  29,  it)  12,  a  Past  Commanders'  conclave  was 
held  and  the  illustrious  Order  of  the  Red  Cross  was  con- 


3J4 


III  E    K  N  [GUTS    'I  'KM  I 'I. A I 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  3  I  5 

ferred  on  six  postulants,  and  the  Order  of  the  Temple  on 
one.  Past  Em.  Com.  William  L.  Milligan,  on  behalf  of 
the  Commandery,  presented  Past  Em.  Com.  Milton  E. 
Blanchard  a  beautiful  Past  Commander's  jewel.  A  Templar 
ball  was  given  by  the  Commandery  and  was  largely  attended 
by  the  knights  and  ladies  fair,  and  was  a  most  enjoyable 
affair. 

April  7,  191 2,  Ottawa  Commandery  attended  Easter 
service  at  the  Baptist  Church,  with  sixty  swords  in  line. 

April  t8,  19 1 2.  Ottawa  Commandery  was  inspected  by 
Sir  Andrew  Logan  Anderson,  Grand  Standard  Bearer  of 
the  Grand  Commandery.  The  Commandery  passed  muster 
with  its  usual  flying  colors,  which  is  one  of  the  distinguish- 
ing characteristics  of  old  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  m. 

On  the  whole.  Ottawa  Commandery  has  enjoyed  one  of 
its  most  eventful  years,  both  socially  and  financially,  and 
Em.  Com.  Rollo  is  to  he  congratulated  on  the  success  of  his 
administration. 

Our  Sacred  Dead. 

Since  the  last  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery 
five  valiant  and  magnanimous  Knights  have  sheathed  their 
swords  and  surrendered  to  the  mandate  of  their  Great  Com- 
mander. 

In  this  world  of  disappointment  memory  must  weep, 
until,  catching  reflections  of  glory  beyond  the  grave,  learn- 
ing that  death  does  not  end  all.  it  rejoices  with  exceeding- 
great  joy. 

Standing  face  to  face  with  death.  Masonry  scorns  Athe- 
ism, that  writes  upon  the  gates  of  our  cemeteries,  "Gone 
forever,"  and  Templarism  detests  infidelity,  which  offers  no 
consolation  or  comfort  to  dry  the  tears  of  sorrow  when 
loved  ones  have  been  removed — laid  low  by  the  "setting 
maul*'  and  covered  by  the  clods  of  the  valley.    But  she  hark- 


316  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

ens  to  the  "True  Word,"  which  points  to  the  "ladder  that 
reaches  from  earth  to  Heaven" — to  realms  beyond  the  clouds 
into  the  stars,  and  awaits  with  patience  while  a  voice  of 
melting  tenderness  heralds  the  glad  acclaim:  "Blessed  are 
the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord." 

Reviewing  the  lives  of  our  f raters  we  see  through  the 
night  of  sorrow  their  witness  shining"  as  constellations  in 
the  firmament  of  glory.  The  hardships  of  pain  and  disap- 
pointment, insignificant,  compared  with  their  eternal  bliss. 
Since  the  human  heart  yearns  for  a  more  serene  home  than 
earth  affords,  why  should  we  not  brush  away  the  rising  tear 
when  another  soul  has  gone  to  join  the  great  white-robed 
throng  ? 

The  attempt  to  better  one's  condition  is  the  great  ab- 
sorbing thought  of  life.  Yet  trouble  enters  each  door  im- 
mediate1.} behind  pleasure.  The  hearse  follows  closely  the 
bridal  carriage.  The  merry  bells  have  scarcely  sent  their 
joyous  echoes  into  surrounding  space  ere  they  begin  to 
give  forth  their  solemn  notes,  and  in  response  the  living 
come  to  plant  the  acacia  upon  another  grave.  Generations 
succeed  generations  like  waxes  of  the  restless  sea.  Army 
after  army  of  strong  men  are  swept  like  forest  leaves  into 
the  cemeteries  of  the  past  to  mingle  with  mother  earth,  im- 
pressing the  comforting  thought  that  this  world  is  not  the 
home  of  the  soul. 

Jesns  of  Nazareth,  the  "Son  of  Man,"  expounded  the 
new  law  of  love.  He  called  to  him  the  humble  and  the  poor 
and  announced  the  new  gospel:  "Pdessed  are  they  that 
mourn  for  they  shall  be  comforted."  lie  poured  the  oil  oi 
consolation  and  peace  upon  every  crushed  and  bleeding 
heart,  sharing  with  their  sorrows,  and  sympathizing  with 
their  afflictions.  He  sealed  the  Gospel  of  Love  with  His 
life.  The  cruelty  of  the  Jewish  Priesthood  and  the  cow- 
ardice of  Pontius  Pilate,  who  said  he  saw   no  guile  in  Him, 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA   COMMANDERY.  2)l7 

nailed  Him  to  the  Cross  and  He  expired  uttering  blessings 
upon  the  human  family  which  we  teach  in  our  asylum,  in  its 
purity,  to  man  as  an  inestimable  inheritance. 

That  our  beloved  f raters  who  departed  from  among  us 
during  the  past  Templar  year  were  firm  believers  in  Him 
who  died  on  the  cross  that  mankind  might  he  redeemed 
we  have  not  the  least  doubt  whatever,  because  we  had  fre- 
quent talks  of  the  future  mysteries  with  Sir  Knights  Gibson 
and  Trumbo,  and  we  who  knew  Sir  Knights  Conard  and 
McClure  know  well  that  they  were  not  the  men  who  would 
subscribe  to  that  in  which  they  did  not  have  an  abiding- 
faith. 

In  Masonry  and  Templarism  we  cherish  men  like  Louis 
Rohrer,  Camillus  McClure,  Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson, 
Benjamin  Franklin  Trumbo  and  Wilson  Conard;  not  to 
display  them  as  rich  jewels  for  the  admiration  of  a  profane 
world,  but  for  the  sunshine  they  throw  around  our  fraternal 
gatherings;  for  our  appreciation  of  their  merit  and  the  re- 
flecting light  we  absorb  from  it. 

Their  memories  will  long  linger  in  our  hearts  for  their 
presence  in  our  asylum  at  our  conclaves  always  imbued  our 
asylum  with  the  odors  of  incense,  and  filled  the  hearts  of 
our  f raters  with  a  sweet  savor. 

Sir  Knight  Louis  Rohrer. 

Sir  Louis  Rohrer  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery, 
No.  10,  K.  T.,  December  6,  1883,  and  passed  from  this 
earthly  existence  on  the  28th  day  of  June,  191  t. 

Sir  Knight  Louis  Rohrer  was  one  of  the  most  prominent 
farmers  of  the  northern  section  of  La  Salle  county  and  was 
a  man  of  more  than  ordinary  intelligence.  He  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Board  of  Supervisors  for  a  number  of  years  and 
also  served  his  constituents  as  a  member  of  the  Legislature 
of  the  state  of  Illinois  several  terms,  and  in  his  political 
career  there  was  not  a  blot  upon  his  escutcheon. 


3  [8  'I'M  E    KNIGHTS    I  i: M  PLAR, 

A  more  genial  companion  nor  a  more  loyal  friend  than 
Sir  Louis  Rjohrer  is  seldom  met.  lie  was  faithful  to  his 
vows  of  Knighthood  and  took  commendable  pride  in  at- 
tending the  conclaves  of  the  Commandery  and  also  in  ac- 
companying the  Commandery  on  her  triennial  pilgrimages. 

Ability,  energy,  rectitude  and  devotion  to  duty  charac- 
terized all  his  actions  and  the  labors  of  his  life,  and  we 
have  no  doubt  but  that  he  went  down  to  the  grave  with  a 
perfect  faith  that,  while  his  body  would  "return  to  its 
parent  dust,"  his  soul  would  "live  forever  in  the  immediate 
presence  of  the  Father  of  Light  and  Life." 

Mail  and  farewell,  valiant  knight! 

Sir  Knight  Camillus  McClure. 

Sir  Knight  Camillus  McClure  was  knighted  in  Ottawa 
Commandery  October  10,  [895,  and  passed  from  this  earthly 
existence  on  the  19th  day  of  August,  191  1.  at  his  home  in 
Freedom  township.  La  Salle  county. 

Sir  Camillus  McClure  was  one  of  the  shining  lights  in 
the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  was  beloved  by  all  who  knew 
him.  1  lis  radiant  countenance,  his  genial  smile,  bis  affection- 
ate and  brotherly  greetings  will  be  missed  in  our  asylum, 
where  he  was  loved  so  well  by  his  t raters. 

A  halo  of  sadness  was  cast  over  the  Commandery  when 
it  was  heralded  that  Camillus  McClure  had  passed  away. 
In  symbolic  Masonry  he  was  Master  of  Freedom  Lodge  for 
a  number  of  years,  and  as  a  ritualist  and  executive  officer 
was  unexcelled. 

Mis  Masonic  affiliations  were  with  Freedom  Lodge,  No. 
194,  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37.  R.  A.  M.,  and  Ottawa 
Commandery,   No.    10,   1\.  T. 

'fhe  funeral  services  were  conducted  by  Freedom  Lodge. 
No.  [94,  and  were  largely  attended  by  the  brethren  from 
Ottawa  and  surrounding  towns,  and  was  one  of  the  saddest 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  319 

and  most  impressive  partings  at  the  grave  with  one  so  loved 
and  respected. 

Tims  closes  the  record  of  a  true  and  honorable  life.  His 
acts  of  charity  and  of  kindness  and  of  love  are  treasured  in 
the  hearts  of  all  who  met  him,  hut  can  never  find  expression. 

Hail  and  farewell,  valiant  knight!     Hail  and  farewell! 

P.  Em.  Sir  Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson. 

When  all  is  done  that  can  be  done, 
When  all  is  said  that  can  be  said; 
Naught  then  is  left  but  memories — 
Sweet  memories   of  our  dead. 

P.  Em.  Sir  Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson  was  born  in 
Licking  county,  Ohio,  September  5,  [831.  Was  a  youth  of 
nine  years  when  he  arrived  in  La  Salle  county  in  [840,  and 
settled  with  his  parents  on  a  farm  near  Ottawa,  111.,  attend- 
ing the  district  schools  as  opportunity  offered.  When  the 
war  with  Mexico  broke  out  he  was  sixteen  years  old,  but, 
being  imbued  with  lite  spirit  of  patriotism,  be  enlisted  in 
Company  ( i,  5th  [llinois  infantry,  under  command  of  Captain 
Reed,  of  Ottawa.  (  )n  being  mustered  out  of  service  at  the 
close  of  the  war  he  returned  to  Ottawa,  but,  on  the  breaking 
out  of  the  gold  excitement  in  California  in  [849,  he,  in  [850, 
made  the  long  journey  overland  to  California,  where  he  re- 
mained three  years,  when  he  again  returned  to  Ottawa, 
where,  for  a  time,  he  conducted  a  furniture  business,  in 
which  he  was  engaged  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  civil  war, 
when  on  the  22d  of  April,  [861,  he  enlisted  tinder  the  first 
call  for  troops  for  ninety  days,  becoming  captain  of  Com- 
pany 11,  11th  llliin  is  infantry,  commanded  by  the  gallant 
Sir  Knight  Gen.  W.  II.  L.  Wallace.  On  the  expiration  of 
the  ninety  days'  service  he  re-enlisted  and  was  assigned  to 
duty  with  Company  B,  53d  Illinois  infantry.  He  was  with 
this  regiment  in  all  of  the  battles  it  took  part  in  until  after 
the  battle  of  Corinth,  and  in  recognition  of  his  able  service 


320  IN  E    K  NIGHTS    TKM  I'l.  \K, 

and  knowledge  of  military  matters  was  commissioned  ma- 
jor, by  which  title  he  had  since  been  known. 

lie  was  elected  on  the  Democratic  ticket  a  member  of 
the  Legislature  of  Illinois  in  the  fall  of  [862. 

lie  had  held  many  important  political  positions  and  filled 
all  of  them  with  honor  to  himself  and  credit  to  his  constitu- 
ents. 

He  was  married  to  Miss  Susan  S.  Sample  on  February 
5,  1856. 

A  most  interesting  event  in  the  life  of  Sir  Knight  and 
Mrs.  Gibson  was  the  celebration  of  their  golden  wedding- 
February  6.  1906,  when  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  K. 
T.,  called  at  their  home  and  presented  them  one  hundred 
dollars  in  gold. 

Sir  Knight  Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson  was  made  a 
Mason  in  Occidental  Lodge,  No.  40,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  in 
1856;  exalted  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  in  Shabbona  Chapter. 
Xo.  37,  R.  A.  M..  January  31,  1859.  and  Knighted  in  Ot- 
tawa Commandery.  Xo.  10,  K.  T.,  March  8.  1861,  while  the 
Commandery  was  working  under  dispensation,  and  was  one 
of  the  first  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery;  the  first 
work  being  on  March  7,  [861,  when  his  brother,  William 
L.  Gibson,  and  Thomas  J.  Wade  were  knighted,  and  on 
March  8,  1861,  John  F.  Nash,  Levi  Mason  and  Theodore 
Cunningham  Gibson  were  knighted.  Of  this  valiant  and 
magnanimous  company  of  men  only  Sir  Knight  John  bisk 
Xash  is  numbered  among  the  living. 

Sir  Theodore  Cunningham  Gibson  served  the  Com- 
mandery as  Eminent  Commander  during  the  years  1884  and 
1SS5,  and  was  Treasurer  of  the  Commandery  at  the  time  of 
his  death,  which  office  he  had  held  for  many  years. 

He  was  proclaimed  a  Sublime  Prince  of  the  Royal  Se- 
cret, thirty-second  degree,  in  Oriental  Consistory,  Valley 
of  Chicago.  October    10,    1884. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  ^2  1 

Thus  briefly  have  we  glanced  at  the  history  of  one  who 
a  few  short  months  ago  was  among  us.  Although  crowned 
with  four  score  years,  he  was  actively  engaged  in  the  pur- 
suits of  life,  and,  notwithstanding  his  advanced  age  and 
business  occupation,  found  time  to  devote  to  the  fraternity 
he  so  dearly  loved,  and  to  which  he  gave  some  of  the 
brightest  and  best  hours  of  his  life. 

His  life,  both  public  and  private,  was  worthy  of  admira- 
tion and  imitation.  He  was  earlv  attracted  to  Masonry, 
and  has  left  the  impress  of  his  earnest  work  deeply  em- 
bedded in  the  early  history  of  the  Order  in  the  Vallev  of  the 
Illinois. 

In  loving  remembrance  of  his  life,  and  in  grateful  recog- 
nition of  his  services  to  Ottawa  Commandery,  let  it  be  in- 
scribed upon  its  records : 

"Loyal  to  his  God  and  country,  faithful  and  capable  in 
the  discharge  of  every  duty  to  which  he  was  called,  loving 
to  his  wife,  true  to  his  friends,  and  charitable  to  all.  Kindly 
and  companionable  by  nature,  his  life  was  brightened  by  the 
love  of  many  friends,  and  his  grave  is  crowned  with  their 
sorrow." 

Hail  and  farewell,  valiant  knight!    Hail  and  farewell! 

Sir  Benjamin  Franklin  Trumbo. 

Sir  Benjamin  Franklin  Trumbo  was  born  November  25, 
1862,  at  the  Trumbo  homestead  in  Dayton  township,  La 
Salle  county,  Illinois.  His  ancestors  were  of  Virginia  stock 
and  traced  their  settling  in  Virginia  back  to  the  seventeenth 
century. 

Fie  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery  Mav  15,  1905, 
and  passed  from  his  earthly  existence  on  the  8th  of  Novem- 
ber, 191 1.  He  was  also  a  member  of  Occidental  Lodge,  No. 
40,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37,  R.  A.  M. 

His  entire  life  was  spent  on  the  farm,  where  his  social 


322  THE    KNIGHTS   TKM  I'l.AK, 

nature  was  often  manifest  in  entertaining  his  friends  and 
those  of  his  family,  which  he  idolized. 

As  an  evidence  of  his  popularity,  he  was  elected  Sheriff 
of  La  Salle  county  in  1902,  on  the  Democratic  ticket,  when 
the  county  was  Republican  by  a  large  majority.  In  keep- 
ing with  the  conduct  of  his  personal  affairs,  he  discharged 
the  duties  of  the  office  with  great  ability  and  a  singular 
reputation  of  integrity,  retiring  from  the  office  at  the  end  of 
his  four  year  term  with  a  clean  record. 

How  sad  to  realize  that  one  so  young  in  years,  full  of 
life  and  intellect,  surrounded  with  a  devoted  wife  and 
family,  and  all  that  the  world  could  give  to  make  life  wel- 
come, should  lie  cut  down  in  the  full  vigor  of  his  manhood. 
But  his  life  work  is  over,  and  he  rests  in  the  peaceful  em- 
brace of  an  eternal  sleep,  while  the  influence  of  his  labors 
and  the  fragrance  of  his  many  good  deeds  will  remain  a  halo 
of  glory  about  his  name. 

"Is  there  in  fate  an  hour  reserv'd  for  me 
To  sing  thy  deeds  in  numbers  worthy  thee?" 

As  the  wavelet  made  by  the  pebble  upon  the  surface  of 
the  quiet  lake  widens  and  widens  as  the  pebble  sinks  and 
sinks,  so  will  the  memory  of  Frank  Trumbo,  and  his  deeds, 
performed  from  a  sense  of  duty  and  in  true  friendship,  be 
more  and  more  realized  and  appreciated  as  time  widens  the 
vanished  days. 

How  blessed  to  close  life's  record  with  a  knowledge  that 
there  remains  a  stream  of  personal  influence,  whose  ex- 
haustless  force  has  risen  in  some  kind  word  spoken,  some 
good  deed  done,  or  some  noble  effort  to  benefit  the  race  of 
man. 

Frank  Trumbo  is  gone,  but  the  world  is  better  because 
he  lived  in  it,  and  hearts  are  truer  and  more  tender  because 
they  came  in  contact  with  his  true,  earnest  and  noble  life. 

Hail  and  farewell,  dear  friend  and  frater!  Hail  and 
farewell ! 


history  of  ottawa  commandery.  323 

Sir  Knight  Wilson  Conard. 

Sir  Knight  Wilson  Conard  was  born  in  Miller  township, 
La  Salle  comity,  111.,  October  5,  1863.  He  spent  his  life 
work  on  the  farm  and  had  accumulated  a  handsome  com- 
petency of  this  world's  goods  when,  in  July,  1904,  he 
moved  to  Ottawa,  where  he  at  once  became  identified  with 
the  business  interests  of  the  city  and  was  soon  recognized 
as  one  of  the  substantial  and  influential  men  of  Ottawa.  He 
was  a  pleasant  gentleman  to  meet  because  of  his  genial  dis- 
position and  his  friendly  regard  for  others. 

He  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery  August  4, 
1910,  and  passed  from  this  life  on  the  15th  day  of  Decem- 
ber, 191 1. 

The  sudden  and  tragic  death  of  Sir  Knight  Conard  cast 
a  gloom  over  the  whole  community  in  which  he  was  so 
loved  and  admired. 

Sir  Knight  Wilson  Conard  was  affiliated  with  Occidental 
Lodge,  No.  40,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37, 
R.  A.  M.,  and  he  took  an  active  interest  in  all  the  Masonic 
bodies  with  which  he  was  affiliated. 

Sir  Knight  Wilson  Conard  was  admired  by  the  fraters 
of  Ottawa  Commandery  for  his  many  excellent  qualities  of 
mind  and  heart,  for  his  quiet  dignity,  his  pleasing  and  wel- 
come presence,  his  gentleness  and  soft  voiced  speech  and 
his  beautifully  molded  temperament. 

Wilson  Conard  is  gone,  but  he  has  left  a  record  for 
splendid  business  ability,  unswerving  integrity  and  high 
moral  worth,  which  constitutes  a  rich  heritage  for  his  sur- 
viving family  and  friends,  and  of  which  all  who  knew  him 
and  loved  him  may  feel  justly  proud. 

Hail  and  farewell,  dear  friend  and  brother!  Hail  and 
farewell ! 

EXCERPTA:  "By  a  larger  growth  in  ourselves  and  a  wider 
influence  upon  our  fellowmen  we  must  emphasize  the  meaning 
of  our  name  and  the  signification  of  our  symbols." 


v}-'4  I'll  E    KNIGHTS   TEW  IM.AK, 

t9I2-I3. 

The  fifty-first  annual  conclave  of  Ottawa  Commandery 
was  convened  June  [3,  1912,  when  the  following  officers 
were  elected  and  appointed  For  the  ensuing  Templar  year: 

George  Craft  Dunaway    Commander 

John   Mathias   Berg    Generalissimo 

<  reorge  John  Waters Captain  General 

John  William  Clegg Senior  Warden 

George  A.  Crowden    Junior  Warden 

John  Hubbard  Goodell   Prelate 

Albert  Frederick  Schoch   Treasurer 

Robert  Lucien  Smith Recorder 

Albert  Lawrence  Trager Standard  Bearer 

George  Lester  Farnsworth   Sword  Bearer 

Joshua  P.  Rodgers Warder 

Harry  Judson  Lee Sentinel 

Anthony  David  Simon Organist 

William  Lee  Roy  Milligan Hist<  rian 

The  above  officers  were  installed  June  27,  [912,  by  Past 
Commander  Henry  L.  Arnold. 

Created:  Charles  T.  Bradford,  John  R.  Dale.  Tyler  A. 
Hoganson.  Carlos  0.  McCarty,  Joseph  M.  Megaffin,  James 
Milligan,  Jr.,  Harry  C.  Spencer,  Fred.  Chas.  Stoessinger, 
Harry  L.  Thrasher,  Noah  H.  Thompson. 

Demitted:     John  H.  Widmer,  Charles  F.  Wilson. 

Pied:  Fbenezer  Barber,  James  M.  Trenary.  Royal  E. 
Willsey,  John  G.  Yenerick. 

EVENTS  DURING  THE  TEMPLAR  YEAR. 
August  [8,  1 9 1 2.  Ottawa  Commandery  attended  the 
annual  conclave  of  the  Grand  Commandery  at  Peoria,  and 
made  a  very  creditable  showing  jn  the  grand  parade,  and 
were  the  recipients  of  the  plaudits  of  the  people  assembled 
on  the  streets  to  witness  the  parade. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  325 

October  5,  19 12,  Ottawa  Commandery  performed  the 
last  sad  rites  over  the  remains  of  their  beloved  f rater,  Sir 
John  George  Yenerick. 

January  3,  1913,  Ottawa  Commandery  acted  as  escort 
to  Waltham  Lodge,  No.  384,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  at  the  funeral 
ceremonies  over  the  remains  of  Sir  Royal  E,  Willsey. 

February  20,  1 913,  the  annual  Templar  ball  was  held  in 
the  Masonic  Temple,  and  was  a  most  enjoyable  affair,  and 
was  pronounced  a  brilliant  success  by  those  in  attendance,  a 
characteristic  of  old  Ottawa  Commandery. 

Easter  Sunday,  March  2^,  1913,  notwithstanding  the  in- 
clement weather,  fifty-two  valiant  and  magnanimous  Sir 
Knights  of  Ottawa  Commandery  formed  in  line  and  pro- 
ceeded to  Christ  Episcopal  Church,  where  they  attended 
Easter  service  on  invitation  therefrom.  The  fraters  were 
delighted  with  the  impressive  services  in  accordance  with 
the  church  ritual,  and  a  very  interesting  sermon  by  the 
rector,  the  Rev.  Geo.  W.  Farrar. 

April  15,  1913,  Ottawa  Commandery  attended  the  in- 
spection of  Streator  Commandery,  Xo.  70,  and  was  most 
hospitably  entertained  by  the  fraters  thereof. 

Under  the  command  of  Sir  George  C.  Dunawav,  Ottawa 
Commandery  has,  as  a  whole,  had  a  most  prosperous  and 
satisfactory  year. 

OUR   FRATERNAL  DEAD. 

Empty  barren  eulogy  is  mockery  pronounced  by  the  lips 
of  hypocrisy.  If  there  is  not  sincere  admiration  of  the  vir- 
tues and  graces  which  were  cultivated  by  those  whose  mem- 
ory we  profess  to  cherish,  vain  are  "the  trappings  and  the 
suits  of  woe"  which  we  display,  and  the  eulogistic  language 
which  we  utter. 

We  can  pass  an  infinitely  higher  encomium  on  our  de- 
ceased fraters  by  our  future  lives  than  we  can  by  the  most 
eloquent  panegyric  the  tongue  of  man  can  pronounce. 


326  THE    KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

God  in  I  lis  inscrutable  wisdom  has  removed  from  our 
ranks,  and  from  lite's  scenes  and  life's  duties,  the  following 
valiant  and  magnanimous  Sir  Knights  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery : 

Ebenezer  Barber,  one  of  the  oldest  members  of  Ottawa 
Commandery,  who  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery 
January  19,  [869.     He  died  August  30,  1912. 

James  Marshall  Trenarv,  affiliated  with  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery November  26,  1891,  and  died  September  22,  [912. 

John  George  Yenerick,  knighted  in  Ottawa  Command- 
ery March  _\  1911,  and  died  October  2.  1912. 

Royal  E.  Willsey,  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery 
October  26,  191  1,  and  died  January  1,  191 3. 

They  performed  life's  pilgrimage  in  the  duties  which 
they  owed  to  God,  their  country,  their  families  and  the  prac- 
tice of  the  undying  principles  of  the  Order  of  Christian 
Knighthood,  and  left  to  posterity  a  record  more  enduring 
than  words  of  eulogy  or  monumental  marble. 

It  was  their  aim  so  to  live  that  when  life's  duties  had 
been  honestly,  fairly,  faithfully,  and  acceptably  performed, 
they  could  look  beyond  death's  cold  river  to  the  spirit  land, 
and,  with  faith  in  the  promises  of  their  Redeemer,  boldly  and 
triumphantly  cross  to  that  spirit  land,  spanned  by  the  Cross 
of  Christ. 

To  these  Sir  Knights  our  loss  was  their  gain;  their 
death,  the  triumph  of  the  Pilgrim  Penitent:  their  triumph 
the  Asylum  of  Angels  and  the  redeemed  of  Heaven. 

To  their  respective  families  and  friends  we  extend  on 
behalf  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10.  Knights  Templar. 
our  sincere  sympathies  and  condolences. 

Barber,    Trenarv,   Yenerick,   Willsey,   valiant   and   mag- 
nanimous Knights,  hail  and  farewell! 

As  Historian  of  Ottawa  Commandery.  we  extend  the 
sympathy  and  condolence  of  Ottawa  Commandery  to  our 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  327 

beloved  Past  Commander,  Walter  Briggs  Titus,  in  his  hour 
nf  bereavement. 

The  most  vivid  idea  cue  can  have  of  death  is  when  the 
white  winged  messenger  invades  the  sanctity  of  the  family 
circle,  and  one  of  the  near  and  beloved  is  borne  away  to  that 
narrow  house  appointed  for  all  the  living. 

Never  do  we  feel  more  reconciled  to  the  inevitable  des- 
tiny of  man  than  when  we  reflect  that  all  we  most  prized, 
most  loved  and  clung  to  on  earth  has  gone  before  us  to 
"that  country  from  whose  bourne  no  traveler  returns." 

What  is  the  worst  of  woe  that  waits  on  age? 

What  stamps  the  wrinkle  deeper  on  the  brow? 
To  view  each  loved  one  blotted  from  life's  page, 

And  be  alone  on  earth,  as  I  am  now. 

In  the  death  of  Mrs.  Titus,  who  for  nearly  sixty-three 
Years  had  shared  the  joys  and  sorrows  of  our  grief  stricken 
Commander,  a  void  has  been  created  that  words  of  sympathy 
and  condolence  cannot  close,  however  sincerely  they  may  be 
uttered,  but  we  do  assure  him  that  the  prayers  of  every 
f rater  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  Knights  Templar, 
were  united  with  those  that  went  up  from  his  desolate  home, 
that  He  who  "tempers  the  wind  to  the  shorn  lamb"  would 
strengthen  and  comfort  him  as  he  "in  all  the  manliness  of 
grief"  walked  the  remaining  span  of  life. 

Jon  x  Fisk  Xash. 

Our  beloved  and  Most  Eminent  Past  Commander,  John 
Fisk  Xash,  lies  at  his  home  in  a  semi-conscious  state,  wait- 
ing, waiting,  waiting  for  the  final  command  from  his  Great 
Commander  to  cross  to  the  great  beyond  from  whence  no 
pilgrim  knight  has  ever  returned  to  tell  us  of  the  awards 
that  await  us  there. 

To  him  and  his  sorrowing  family,  as  Historian,  we  ex- 
tend, on  behalf  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  the  sympathy  and 
condolences  of  his  Commandery,  praying  that  his  suffering 


328 


KNIGHTS   'I'l-'.M 


I.AR, 


may  be  lessened  by  the  knowledge  of  the  fact  that  his  has 
been  a  "well  spent  life;"  that  lie.  in  the  nearly  four  score 
years  and  ten  committed  not  one  act  fur  which  lie  has  a  re- 
gret t<>  offer,  or  an  apology  to  make. 

KXCERPTA:  "The  Order  of  Knights  Templar  has  witnessed 
I  he  rise  and  fall  of  many  nations,  and  has  dispensed  its  beneficent 
influences  upon  the  lives  of  many  generations  of  men.  In  its 
original  purity  of  character  and  dignity  of  purpose,  it  is  to-day  our 
rich  heritage.  Let  us  not,  then,  show  ourselves  unworthy  of  this 
sacred  trust,  but  realize  ever  the  responsible  position  we  occupy 
as  the  present   depositories  of  this  noble  order." 


'()PPI-P 

The  fifty-second  annual  conclave 
of  Ottawa  Commandery  was  convened 
June  12,  1913.  when  the  following  of- 
ficers were  elected  and  appointed  for 
the  ensuing-  Templar  year  : 

John  Mathias  Berg Commander 

George  John  Waters.  .  .Generalissimo 
George  A.  Crowden.  .Captain  General 
Arthur  1).  Prichard.  .  .Senior  Warden 
James  Milligan,  Jr..  .  .Junior  Warden 

John   1 1.  Goodell    Prelate 

Albert  P.  Schoch Treasurer 

Robert  Lucien  Smith Recorder 

Frederick  S.  Prichard Standard  Bearer 

( reorge  P.  Farnsworth Sword  Bearer 

Fred  P.  Jones Warder 

Joseph  Adams  Wilson Sentinel 

Anthony  D.  Simon   Organist 

William  1 ..  Milligan    I  Hstorian 

The  above  officers  were  installed  June  26,    0)13. 
Created:     Charles    Rodgers    Stevenson,    William    Kirk 


JOHN  M.  BERG, 
E.  0.  1913-14. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  329 

Leverich,  George  Clement  Ford,  Charles  Edwin  Jordan, 
Walter  Rush  Green,  Samuel  Emery  Clegg,  Clarence  Edgar 
Hulse,  George  Edward  Ten  Eyck,  George  Clarence  Nelson. 

Affiliated:  Herman  Haines  Elder,  Charles  Ferdinand 
Brenn. 

Demitted:  H.  Eugene  Chubbuck,  Samuel  U.  Lawry, 
Frederick  William  Gleim,  Jacob  Isaac  Warner. 

Died:  John  Fisk  Nash,  John  Stout,  Joshua  P.  Rodgers, 
Irving  Hinton  Trowbridge,  Walter  David  Strawn,  Edward 
H.  Smith. 

We  congratulate  Commander  Berg  and  his  corps  of  effi- 
cient officers  for  the  efficiency  of  their  work  and  the  pros- 
perity of  Ottawa  Commandeiw  during  the  Templar  year 
just  closed. 

Xot withstanding  the  loss  of  nine  f raters  by  death  and 
dismissions,  the  records  disclose  an  increase  of  two  mem- 
bers over  that  of  19 12- 13. 

There  were  knighted  during  the  year  nine  and  admitted 
to  membership  two,  leaving  a  net  membership  of  two  hun- 
dred and  thirty-six. 

The  finances  of  Ottawa  Commandery  are  in  good  shape. 
Three  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  of  the  temple  indebtedness 
has  been  paid,  which  now  leaves  a  balance  of  only  $2,500  on 
this  account. 

The  reports  of  the  Treasurer  and  Recorder  show  that 
the  financiering  of  our  Commandery  has  been  in  excellent 
hands,  and  a  glimpse  of  the  records  will  demonstrate  the 
neatness  and  efficiency  of  the  Recorder. 

During  the  holiday  season  a  Knights  Templar  ball  was 
given  by  the  Commandery,  which  was  largely  attended  and 
proclaimed  a  terpsichorean  success. 

Ottawa  Commandery.  with  sixty-  swords  in  line,  at- 
tended divine  services  on  Easter  Sunday  at  the  Marseilles 
Congregational  Church,  and  were  edified  with  an  appro- 
priate sermon  by  the  pastor. 


^O  THE    KNIGHTS   TF.MPr.AR. 

The  Commandery  was  inspected  by  Em.  Grand  Sword 
Bearer  Milton  Everett  Robinson  on  April  30,  [914.  There 
was  a  large  and  enthusiastic  attendance  of  fraters  from  sis- 
ter Commanderies.  A  banquet  was  served,  and  the  feast 
of  soul  and  flow  of  reason  was  greatly  enjoyed  by  those  in 
attendance. 

A  new  American  flag  was  purchased  by  the  Command- 
ery during  the  year  to  replace  the  old  one.  the  first  Amer- 
ican flag-  ever  presented  to  a  Commandery  of  Knights 
Templar,  and  your  Historian  is  gratified  to  know  that  steps 
have  been  taken  to  preserve  this  historic  flag. 

The  Common  Lot  of  A  [ax. 

To-day  we  live — to-morrow  die,  and  then, 

The  world  will  move  on  without  us  and  soon 

Forget   that  we  did  once  exist. 

Then,  naught  will  remain  but  grewsome  relies 

Of    souls    forgot — tenements    deserted, 

Whence  hath  fled  all  that  had  honored  and 

Ennobled  us.     Our  forms  will  remain,  but  not 

Our  souls — the  souls  that  now  hold  royal  court 

In  thought's  mysterious  seat  within  the 

Chambers  of  our  skulls — receptacles  with 

Ethereal  spirits   filled. 

Mouldering  canopies  will  but  remain 

Where  now  the  bright  and  busy  eyes  blaze 

Forth  with  fires  of  rage,  or  glow  with 

Beacon  lights  of  love. 

Hollow   caverns  will  denote  where  now 

The   silver  tongue  holds  sway,  and   charms 

With  soft  melodious  speech  loved  ones  at  home. 

Or  fires  with  burning  words  of  truth  the 

Busy  marts  of  trade,  or,  please  with  shafts 

Of  ready  wit  and  keen  retort 

Companions  of  the  road. 

Dismantled  by  divine   command — derelicts 

Upon  the  infinite  Sea  of  Time — ghastly  relics 

Only  will  remain  to  remind  others  of  their 

Impending  doom — the  common  lot  of  man. 

Man   may  forget — God  never  does — nor 

Can  the  drapery  of  the  tomb  conceal  us 

From  His  Omniscient  Eye. 

Pilgrim,  heed  the  warning — pause! 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  33I 

And  let  your  light,  henceforth,  so  shine 
That,  when  your  soul  takes  leave 
Of  its  tenement  of  clay,  the  radiance 
That   flows   from   the   Almighty's   throne 
May   reflect   His    benediction   upon   you, 
And  your  passing  to  the  bosom 
Of  the  Everlasting  God  be  like  one  who 
Draws  the  drapery  of  his  couch  about  him, 
And  lies  down  to  pleasant  dreams. 
Ottawa,   111.,   Aug.   21,   1913.  — W.   L.   Milligan. 

Memorial  Tributes. 

During"  the  past  Templar  year  death  has  taken  from  our 
ranks  five  valiant  and  magnanimous  fraters,  Sir  John  Fisk 
Nash,  Sir  John  Stout,  Sir  Walter  David  Strawn,  Sir  Joshua 
P.  Rodgers,  Sir  Irving  H.  Trowbridge  and  Sir  Edward  II. 
Smith. 

Sir  John  Fisk  Nash,  at  the  time  of  his  passing,  was  the 
oldest  living  member  of  Ottawa  Commandery  as  well  as  the 
senior  Past  Commander.  He  had  the  distinction  of  heing 
one  of  the  verv  first  men  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery, 
having  been  created  and  dubbed  on  the  8th  of  March,  186 1, 
and  had  maintained  a  continuous  membership  in  his  Com- 
mandery to  the  date  of  his  death,  July  6,  1913. 

He  was  Past  Commander  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  and 
Past  Grand  Commander  of  the  Grand  Commandery  of 
Knights  Templar  of  the  state  of  Illinois.  He  was  buried 
with  knightly  honors.  Grand  Commander  Sir  William  L. 
Sharp  officiating,  Ottawa  Commandery  acting  as  escort  to 
the  Grand  Commandery. 

When  Zeno  consulted  the  oracle  in  what  manner  he 
should  live,  the  answer  was,  that  he  should  inquire  of  the 
dead. 

Words  of  eulogy  may  not  add  anything  to  the  honor  due 
the  name  of  John  Fisk  Xash,  but  may  well  stimulate  those 
young  men  of  the  present  generation,  of  our  community, 
upon  whom  responsibilities  in  the  present  and  may  in  the 
future  rest,  to  higher  ideals  and  stricter  integrity. 


332  I'll  E    KNIGHTS   TI'.M  I'l.Ak, 

Sir  Nash  entered  upon-this  life  at  the  threshold  of  the 
most  wonderful  era  pending  the  most  wonderful  strides  that 
have  characterized  civilization  since  time  began,  and  drew 
the  drapery  of  his  couch  about  him  and  lay  down  to  pleas- 
ant dreams  at  a  time  when  the  scientist  and  the  inventive 
genius  might,  with  propriety,  exclaim  in  the  language  of 
the  preacher:     "There  is  no  new  thing  tinder  the  sun." 

Being  of  an  ambitious  and  resourceful  disposition,  he 
foresaw  the  might)'  future  in  store  for  the  broad  prairies 
and  fertile  valleys  of  the  Illinois  and  left  his  native  state  of 
Massachusetts  when  he  was  sixteen  years  of  age  and  located 
near  Hennepin,  111.,  in  1840,  where  he  remained  until  1847. 
when  he  came  to  Ottawa,  and  located  in  the  beautiful  valley 
of  the  Illinois,  where  for  more  than  the  allotted  span  of  life 
he  so  lived  and  so  deported  himself  that  no  eulogium  which 
we  can  here  pronounce,  no  tribute  which  we  can  bring  to 
his  memory,  whose  friendship  it  was  our  privilege  so  long 
and  so  uninterruptedly  to  enjoy,  can  equal  what  should  he 
awarded  him  by  all  who  knew  him  and  appreciated  the 
vigor  and  fertility  of  his  intellect,  and  are  cognizant  of  the 
services  he  rendered  the  community  in  which  he  lived  and 
the  interest   which   he  represented. 

Having  known  and  admired  him  from  my  boyhood  days, 
and  having  observed  him  as  a  model  in  all  the  daily  walks 
i^i  life,  among  the  money  vaults  and  in  the  busy  marts  of 
trade,  in  social  life,  when  business  cares  were  cast  aside, 
and  in  fraternal  circles,  where  our  souls  mingled  in  unison 
in  contemplations  of  the  splendors  and  fruitions  of  the 
beatific  vision  when  we  should  approach  the  throne  of  God 
and  join  in  the  symphony  of  angelic  voices,  as  we  took  part 
in  scenes  and  ceremonies  that  take  away  the  ''sting  oi 
death"  and  deprive  the  grave  ^\  "victory" — scenes  beyond 
the  pale  of  the  vulgar  world  and  in  which  hut  a  compara- 
tively few  are  fitted  to  participate.     In  all  these  relations  we 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COM  MANDEKV.  333 

found  in  him  a  man  who  possessed  a  manly  steadiness  of 
conduct,  whose  great  felicity  was  attained  in  intellectual 
pleasure  in  its  purity,  mirth  free  from  indecency,  and  wit 
void  of  licentiousness.  A  man  of  admirable  parts,  of  gen- 
eral knowledge,  of  a  versatile  understanding,  a  reputation 
for  strict  business  integrity,  fitted  for  any  trust  reposed  in 
him,  of  infinite  wit  and  pleasantry,  and  a  delightful  dis- 
position. 

Having  a  keen  perception  of  the  right,  he  had  a  haughty 
contempt  for  anyone  in  whom  he  discovered  any  inclination 
to  subordinate  right  for  policy.  Being  plain  and  outspoken 
himself,  he  could  never  have  a  filial  feeling  for  one  who 
practiced  deceit  or  chicanery,  and  never  afterward  trusted 
anyone  who  endeavored  to  secure  his  favor  by  such  prac- 
tices, so  repugnant  to  his  nature. 

He  was  as  firm  as  the  rock  of  Gibraltar,  and  could  not 
be  moved  to  concede  an  iota  of  a  principle,  and  was  always 
pronounced  in  the  denunciation  of  a  wrong.  Whatever  he 
supported  or  opposed  he  did  it  earnestly  and  zealously, 
openly  and  above  board.  Favors  he  never  forgot,  even 
though  followed  by  repeated  injuries.  The  sin  of  ingrati- 
tude was  not  at  his  door. 

Sir  Nash  was  endowed  with  a  fine  literary  taste,  and  the 
shelves  of  his  library  contained  books  of  the  choicest  litera- 
ture from  the  most  eminent  authors.  He  was  a  thoroughly 
cultured  gentleman  of  the  old  school,  of  which,  unfortu- 
nately, there  are  but  few  remaining  among  us,  and  was  con- 
versant on  current  topics  as  well  as  versed  in  poetic  lore  and 
classic  literature,  which,  with  his  pleasing  conversational 
powers,  always  using  the  choicest  language  and  ready  wit 
and  repartee,  made  him  a  most  agreeable  companion  in  the 
club  rooms,  fraternal  circles  and  the  majesty  of  his  home. 

In  his  extemporaneous  as  well  as  his  prepared  addresses, 
for  which  he  was  frequently  called  at  public  and  fraternal 


334  TH  E    KNIGHTS   TEM  I'l.AK, 

functions,  the  well  formed  sentences  flowed  smoothly  and 
naturally,  always  surprising  and  delighting  his  hearers  with 
the  brilliancy  of  his  thoughts  and  the  beauty  of  his  lan- 
guage. 

Mis  internal  excellencies,  his  polished  mind,  his  com- 
passionate heart,  his  earnestness,  always  alive  to  all  the 
cheerful  amenities  and  humanities  of  the  world,  representing 
the  graces  and  courtesies  that  constituted  him  the  "true 
gentleman,"  and  one  who  never  indulged  in  contemptuous 
negligence  or  impatient  idleness,  leaving  to  future  genera- 
tions an  example  of  the  art  of  growing  old  with  pretensions 
resigned  to  the  pleasantries  and  pleasures  of  youth. 

Such  were  the  high  qualities  that  constituted  him  the 
true  man,  the  courteous  gentleman,  the  honored  citizen, 
the  constant  friend,  the  revered  husband  and  father. 

It  would  he  superfluous  to  add  that  his  home,  in  which 
he  took  so  much  pride,  surrounded  with  beautiful  lawns, 
interspersed  by  rare  taste  with  the  choicest  shrubbery  and 
beds  of  the  most  beautiful  roses,  tended  with  his  own  hands, 
was  the  abode  of  domestic  affection  and  bliss,  and  elegant 
and  refined  excellencies  such  as  his  cultivated  taste  and  mind 
could  acquire. 

Sir  John  Stout. 
Sir  John  Stout  was  born  in  Springfield,  Ohio,  January 
i  i,  [829.  Came  to  Ottawa,  Illinois,  in  October,  1840,  when 
[6  years  of  age,  traveling  overland  most  of  the  way  with 
ox-team.  Clerked  in  a  dry  goods  store  for  a  term  of  years 
and  eventually  became  one  of  the  pioneer  dry  goods  mer- 
chants of  Ottawa,  conducting  a  store  on  Court  street  until 
ittyj,  when  he  retired  and  embarked  in  the  grain  business  at 
Ransom,  Illinois,  then  a  new  and  flourishing  town  on  the 
Santa  Fe  railroad,  just  completed  through  southeastern  La 
Salle  county.  He,  however,  maintained  his  residence  in 
(  )ttawa. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  335 

Having  sold  his  interest  in  the  grain  business  at  Ran- 
som, he  engaged  in  real  estate  and  insurance  business  in 
Ottawa,  which  he  continued  until  his  death.  He  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Board  of  Education  of  the  city  of  Ottawa  a  num- 
ber of  years,  and  was  for  several  years  City  Collector.  His 
capability  and  fidelity  in  positions  of  public  trust  was  evi- 
denced by  his  long  official  career. 

Sir  Knight  Stout  was  always  a  generous  contributor  to 
churches  and  charities,  and  was  a  prominent  and  influen- 
tial citizen,  respected  by  all  who  knew  him.  His  strong  and 
salient  traits  of  character  were  such  as  commanded  uniform 
esteem  and  confidence. 

As  a  Mason  and  Knight  Templar  he  was  true  to  the 
teachings  of  the  institutions,  and  was  a  pioneer  member  in 
all  of  the  Masonic  bodies,  and  took  an  active  interest  in 
their  welfare.  He  never  held  an  elective  office  in  the  Com- 
mandery, but  was  ever  ready  to  fill  any  position  pro  tern., 
especially  that  of  Prelate,  in  the  absence  of  the  elected 
officers.  He  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  No. 
10,  June  9,  1862,  and  passed  to  his  reward  October  21,  19 13, 
and  was  buried  by  his  Commandery  October  2^,  1913.  We 
miss  his  hearty  laugh  and  fraternal  greetings. 

Sir  Edward  H.  Smith. 
Sir  Edward  H.  Smith,  Past  Commander  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, a  native  of  New  York  state,  came  to  Ottawa,  111., 
with  Sir  L.  A.  Rising  in  the  later  sixties,  and  conducted,  on 
a  large  scale,  the  manufacturing  of  cigars  for  a  number  of 
years  under  the  firm  name  of  Smith  &  Rising.  After  the 
dissolution  of  this  firm  Sir  Smith  served  as  Deputy  Sheriff 
under  Sheriff  Thomas  Clark  during  1881  and  1882,  and  un- 
til the  first  of  April,  1883,  under  Sheriff  Milligan,  when  he 
moved  to  Streator  and  established  a  retail  cigar  store,  which 
he  conducted  several  years,  when  he  removed  to  Chicago, 


336  l  ll  I.    KNIGHTS    I' KM  PLARj 

where,   in   his  later  years,  he  was  ticket   agent    for  the  ele- 
vated lines  in  Chicag<  >. 

Sir  Smith  was  affiliated  with  Occidental  Lodge,  Xo.  40, 
A.  F.  &  A.  M.;  Shabbona  Chapter.  No.  37,  K.  A.  M.,  and 
was  created  a  Knight  Templar  in  Ottawa  Commandery 
August  [8,  [868,  and  at  the  animal  conclave  of  the  Com- 
mandery, December  1.  [869,  was  elected  Captain  General 
of  the  Commandery,  which  office  he  held  for  eight  consecu- 
tive years,  when  he  was  elected  Commander,  which  office  he 
held  three  consecutive  years,  and  again  was  Commander  in 
[882  and  [883  and  Captain  General  in  [887.  Having  served 
through  the  civil  war  with  the  rank  of  captain  he  was 
versed  in  military  tactics  which,  with  his  personality  and 
commanding-  skill,  made  him  one  of  the  hest  drill-masters 
and  Captain  Generals  in  the  state  of  Illinois,  and  when  Sir 
Nash  was  Grand  Commander  of  the  Grand  Commandery 
and  wished  to  pay  an  official  visit  to  constituent  Command- 
eries.  he  invariably  had  Ottawa  Commandery,  under  the 
leadership  of  Captain  General  Smith,  act  as  an  escort,  and 
in  so  doing  he  would  put  them  through  movements  forming 
Templar  emhlems  that  created  for  Ottawa  Commandery  the 
reputation  of  being  the  hest  drilled  Commandery  in  Templar 
tactics  in  the  state  of  Illinois.  Sir  Smith  was  a  man  of 
strong  personality,  and.  as  Commander  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, exemplified  the  beautiful  service  in  conferring'  the 
Order  of  Knighthood  in  a  manner  that  made  a  deep  and 
lasting  impression  on  the  neophyte.  He  was  one  of  the 
earlier  standbys  of  Ottawa  Commandery  and  was  a  long  and 
faithful  worker  in  the  interest  of  Ottawa  Commandery  and 
Templar  Masonry.  He  was  a  man  of  kind  and  genial  man- 
ners, quick  and  generous  impulses  and  straightforward  in 
all  his  transactions  with  his  fellowmen.  It  was  the  posses- 
sion of  these  noble  traits  of  character  and  finer  qualities  of 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  337 

the  heart  that  endeared  him  to  his  friends  and  gave  him 
the  highest  claim  to  the  admiration  of  his  fraters. 

He  married  a  daughter  of  Jeremiah  Wood,  one  of  the 
early  and  successful  business  men  of  Ottawa.  To  this  union 
was  born  three  sons  who  are  successful  business  and  pro- 
fessional men,  one,  the  eldest,  being  general  manager  of 
the  mining  properties  of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul 
railroad. 

He  passed  to  his  reward  January  3,  19 14,  and  was  buried 
in  Ottawa  Avenue  Cemetery  with  Masonic  honors  by  Occi- 
dental Lodge,  No.  40,  A.  F.  &  A.  M. 

To  his  bereaved  widow  and  sons,  who  most  mourn  his 
passing  away,  as  historian,  on  behalf  of  Ottawa  Command- 
erv,  we  tender  renewed  assurances  of  our  abiding  sympathy. 

Sir  Walter  D.  Strawn. 

Sir  Walter  D.  Strawn  was  born  on  a  farm  in  South  Ot- 
tawa township  August  1,  1850.  His  father,  David  Strawn, 
was  one  of  the  pioneer  farmers  and  cattle  men  of  Illinois. 
Our  deceased  f rater  grew  to  manhood  on  his  father's  farm, 
and  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Ottawa,  later  at- 
tending the  normal  school  at  Normal,  Illinois. 

He  married  Miss  Florence  Parr,  of  Serena  township, 
and  soon  after  moved  to  near  Strawn,  111.,  where  he  owned  a 
large  tract  of  as  fine  fanning  land  as  could  lie  found  in  the 
state  of  Illinois,  where  he  devoted  his  life  and  energy  to 
farming  and  stock-raising  to  a  successful  issue.  He  retired 
from  his  farm  in  1890  and  moved  to  Ottawa,  Illinois,  where 
he  had  builded  a  fine  residence  in  which  to  spend  his  de- 
clining years  with  his  family.  He  was  an  active  and  ener- 
getic man  all  his  life,  being  at  one  time  one  of  the  directors 
of  the  National  City  Bank  of  Ottawa. 

Sir  Walter  D.  Strawn  was  full  of  life  and  energy,  and 
whatever  he  undertook  he  invariably,  by  his  push  and  ac- 


338  THE    KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

tivity,  made  a  success  of  the  undertaking,  as  evidenced  in 
the  success  of  the  La  Salle  County  Fair  association,  of  which 
he  was  the  active  and  leading  spirit  at  the  time  of  his  death, 
lie  was  always  in  a  good  humor,  a  hearty,  hale  fellow  well 
met. 

Being  of  a  hearty  and  robust  constitution  the  community 
was  greatly  shocked  on  learning  of  his  untimely  death  De- 
cember  4.  [913.  Sir  Walter  I).  Strawn  was  knighted  in 
Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  K.  T.,  November  23,  1876, 
and  held  a  continuous  memhership  until  called  by  death.  He 
never  held  any  elective  or  appointive  office,  hut  was  always 
a  willing  helper  at  any  fraternal  doings.  He  was  a  valiant 
and  magnanimous  Knight.     His  burial  was  private. 

Sir  Joshua  P.  Rodgers. 

Sir  Joshua  1'.  Rodgers  was  one  of  Ottawa's  oldest  and 
best  known  citizens.  He  was  horn  in  Luzern  township. 
Fayette  county,  Pennsylvania.  May  6,  1836.  Knighted  in 
Ottawa  Commandery.  No.  10,  K.  T.,  August  6,  1886,  and 
passed  to  his  reward  February  8,  [914,  at  his  residence  in 
South  Ottawa. 

When  a  young  man  he  served  an  apprenticeship  as  a 
printer  on  the  Brownsville  Clipper,  Brownsville,  Pa.,  then 
edited  by  Seth  C.  Nurd,  an  editor,  at  that  time,  of  national 
reputation. 

From  Pennsylvania  he  moved  to  Omaha,  Nebraska, 
when  it  was  a  thriving  western  village,  where  he  worked 
at  his  trade,  that  of  printer,  on  the  Omaha  Bee.  until  in  the 
sixties,  when  he  came  to  La  Salle  county,  Illinois,  and  pur- 
chased the  Eli  Strawn  farm,  three  miles  west  of  Ottawa, 
where  in  the  agricultural  pursuits,  by  habits  of  industry  and 
strict  economy,  he  acquired  a  handsome  competency  of  this 
world's  goods.  He  retired  from  the  farm  in  1890,  taking 
up  his  residence  in  South  Ottawa,  where,  with  his  wife  and 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMM ANDERY.  339 

daughter,  he,  until  his  death,  lived  the  life  of  an  honored 
and  respected  citizen  with  a  character  unimpeachable. 

The  word  of  Joshua  P.  Rpdgers  was  as  good  as  his 
bond.  He  never  made  a  promise  but  that  he  fulfilled.  He 
was  charitable  and  humane,  and  always  ready  to  assist  in 
alleviating  the  distress  of  a  friend.  He  never  boasted  of  his 
charities,  but,  on  the  contrary,  would  request  the  recipient 
to  say  nothing  about  it.  Thus  was  the  true  charity  dwell- 
ing within  him  at  all  times.  He  was  strong  in  his  convic- 
tions, but  was  always  willing  to  concede  to  the  opinions  of 
others  when  convinced  they  were  right. 

As  a  Free  Mason  and  Knight  Templar  he  was  true  to 
the  teachings  of  the  orders,  and  was  prominent  in  Masonic 
circles,  and  throughout  his  Masonic  career  strictly  ob- 
served the  precepts  of  Masonry  and  Christian  Knighthood. 
He  was  a  firm  believer  in  the  brotherhood  of  man  and  the 
fatherhood  of  God,  and  was  unshaken  in  his  belief  in  the 
Christian  religion. 

As  an  evidence  of  his  popularity  as  a  Mason  he  was 
elevated  to  the  office  of  Master  of  Occidental  Lodge,  No. 
40,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  Thrice  Illustrious  Master  of  Oriental 
Council,  No.  63,  R.  &  S.  M.,  and  to  various  offices  in 
Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37,  R.  A.  M.,  and  the  office  of 
Warder  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  K.  T.,  for  many 
Years,  and  was  one  of  the  most  faithful  and  prompt  at- 
tendants at  the  communications  and  conclaves  ol  the  various 
Masonic  bodies  in  Ottawa.  He  took  a  great  deal  of  pride 
in  holding  the  office  of  Warder  in  Ottawa  Commandery, 
and  I  doubt  if  he  ever  missed  a  conclave  of  the  Com- 
mandery  while  holding  that  office,  except  on  account  of 
sickness.  We  miss  him  at  our  conclaves  to-day.  and  the 
older  fraters  will  long  miss  him  on  convivial  occasions  and 
fraternal  pilgrimages  of  the  Commandery. 


340  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

Sir  [rving  1 1.  Trowbridge. 

Sir  [rving  II.  Trowbridge  was  born  near  Delta,  Ohio, 
March  [6,  1849,  and  was  drowned  in  the  Illinois  river  at 
Marseilles,   111.,  March    10.    [914. 

Sir  Trowbridge  had  resided  in  Marseilles  since  1807. 
and  was  one  of  its  most  progressive  citizens,  lie  took  an 
actiye  part  in  politics,  and,  besides  serving  his  township  on 
the  Board  of  Supervisors  of  La  Salle  county  for  a  number 
of  years,  was  also  elected  a  member  of  the  Legislature  of 
the  state  of  Illinois  in  [896  and  re-elected  in  [898.  lie 
was  engaged  in  the  drug"  business  for  a  number  of  years 
and  was  a  highly  respected  citizen  of  Marseilles. 

He  was  a  member  of  Marseilles  Lodge,  No.  417,  A.  F. 
&  A.  M.,  Marseilles,  111.,  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37,  R.  A. 
M..  and  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  Knights  Templar, 
Ottawa,  111.  He  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery 
January  27,   1898,  and  was  quite  popular  among  his  f raters. 

In  disposition  he  was  qniet  and  reserved,  yet  a  genial 
and  whole-souled  companion,  and  one  who  wore  well  with 
long  standing  acquaintanceship.  His  was  a  sad  taking  off 
and  was  a  shock  to  his  family,  his  friends  and  his  fraters. 
His  funeral  was  under  the  auspices  of  Marseilles  Lodge, 
\o.  417,  and  was  largely  attended. 

Xash,  Stout,  Strawn,  Rodgers,  Trowbridge,  Smith — 
knights  of  the  valiant  and  magnanimous  Order  of  Knights 
Templar,  hail  and  farewell ! 

There  is  a  singular  coincidence  in  the  passing  oi  Sir 
John  Fisk  Nash  and  Sir  Edward  H.  Smith,  in  that,  while  it 
leaves  vonr  Historian  the  senior  living  Past  Commander  of 
(  Ottawa  Commandery,  there  is  not  a  link  missing  in  the  long 
line  of  my  successors.  All  are  among  the  living  and  holding 
their  allegiance  to  Ottawa  Commandery,  \o.   10,  K.  T. 

This  day  witness  the  hand  of  time  pointing  to  the  be- 
ginning of  another  Templar  year.     The  past   is  written   in 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY 


34* 


history.  The  future  is  before  us  like  an  undiscovered  con- 
tinent, about  to  he  penetrated  by  an  explorer,  who  goes 
about  his  task  with  chart  and  compass,  which  enables  him 
to  make  his  reckonings  and  locate  his  bearings.  So  may 
the  new  officers  elected  to  preside  over  the  destinies  of  Ot- 
tawa Commandery  assume  the  duties  of  their  respective 
stations,  and  with  chart  and  compass,  be  enabled  to  pilot  old 
Ottawa  Commander)-,  No.  10,  through  another  Templar 
year  with  a  record  in  keeping  with  those  that  are  now  re- 
corded in  history. 

EXCERPTA:  "He  is  the  worthy  knight  who  feels  the  rever- 
ence for  God,  with  whom  every  manly  virtue  becomes  a  part  of 
knightly  honor,  whose  mind  is  never  swayed  by  conditions  or  con- 
siderations of  fear  or  personal  advantage,  and  who  is  ever  ready 
to  draw  his  sword  in  defense  of  that  cause  to  which  it  has  been 
so  solemnly  dedicated." 


I9H-I5- 

The  fifty-third  annual  conclave  of 
Ottawa  Commandery  was  convened 
June  tt.  1014.  when  the  following  of- 
ficers were  elected  and  appointed  for 
the  ensuing  Templar  year  : 
George  John  Waters.  .  .  .Commander 
George  A.  Crowden.  .  .Generalissimo 
Joseph  H.  Pearson.  .  .Captain  General 
Albert  Jay  Roberts.  .  .Senior  Warden 
Geo.  L.  Farnsworth  ..  Junior  Warden 

John  Hubbard  Goodell Prelate 

Albert  Frederick  Schoch.  .  .Treasurer 

Robert  Lucieri  Smith Recorder 

William  EC  Leverich Standard  Bearer 

Samuel  Emery  CI  egg Sword  Nearer 

Emil  T.  Hoffman   Warder 


GEO.  J  WATERS, 
E.  C.  1914-15. 


342  THE    KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

Joseph  Adams  Wilson Sentinel 

Anthony  David  Simon Organist 

William  L.  Milligan   Historian 

The  above  officers  were  installed  by  1*.  Em.  Com.  Henry 
J..  Anmld  June  2^,  19 14,  P.  Km.  Com.  Philip  J.  Wendel 
acting  as  marshal. 

Created:  William  Griffin  Watson  Cowley,  Albert 
Henry  Parks.  Straw  n  Aldrieh  Gay,  Robert  Floyd  Scoffern, 
John  Thomas  Morris,  Robert  James  William  Briggs,  Clif- 
ford Charles  Eichelberger,  Talbert  Ray  Mers,  Bert  Har- 
rington,  William  Archie  Harden  and  John  Ott. 

Affiliated:  Claude  B.  McReynolds,  Walfred  C.  Sahl- 
berg.  Edward  X.  Mercer. 

Deriitted:  William  J.  McKahin,  William  H.  Stead. 
John  Rosene,  Claude  B.  McReynolds. 

Suspended:     Samuel  Burrett  Reed,  Charles  Secrist  Roe. 

Died:     Emil  J.  Hoffman,  Henry  Charles  Miller. 

On  December  10,  1914,  Ottawa  Commandery  accepted 
an  imitation  from  Streator  Commandery.  No.  70.  K.  T.,  to 
attend  a  reception  to  be  tendered  by  the  Commandery  to 
Em.  Sir  William  Henry  Jennings,  in  honor  of  his  election 
by  the  Grand  Commandery,  K.  T.,  of  Illinois,  to  the  office 
of  Grand  Warder  of  the  Grand  Commandery  of  the  state 
of  Illinois  to  be  held  on  December  14,  1914.  A  large 
number  of  Ottawa  Commandery  availed  themselves  of  this 
invitation  and  the  Commandery  was  well  represented  on 
the  occasion. 

January  14.  19 15.  Ottawa  Commandery  received  and 
accepted  an  invitation  from  St.  John's  Commandery.  No.  27. 
Peru,  111.,  to  attend  their  annual  ball  January  27,  [915.  A 
goodly  number  of  the  knights  and  ladies  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery attended  and  pronounced  the  event  a  terpsichorean 
and  social  success,  such  as  are  always  pulled  off  by  the  Peru 
Knights. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDEKV.  343 

January  14,  191 5,  P.  Em.  Commander  Philip  John 
Wendel  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Board  of 
Control  to  represent  Ottawa  Commanderv  thereon  for  four 
years. 

January  25,  191 5,  an  invitation  was  received  and  ac- 
cepted by  the  Commanderv  to  attend  Easter  service  at  the 
Congregational  Church.  The  imitation  was  extended  by 
the  pastor,  Rev.  C.  A.  McKay. 

February  25,  191 5.  the  annual  ball  was  staged  by  Ot- 
tawa Commanclery  and,  as  usual,  was  a  splendid  success. 
Besides  a  large  membership  of  the  Commanderv  attending, 
also  many  from  sister  Commanderies  enjoyed  the  Hospitality 
of  old  Ottawa  Commanclery.  The  annual  balls  given  by 
Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  are  heralded  with  delight  by 
the  valiant  knights  and  their  ladies  fair  and  recognized  as 
the  biggest  social  event  of  the  season  in  Ottawa. 

March  1  1,  1915,  an  imitation  from  Streator  Command- 
erv, Xo.  70,  K.  T.,  to  attend  their  annual  ball,  to  be  held 
March  19th,  was  received  and  accepted  and  a  large  number 
of  knights  and  their  ladies  attended. 

On  the  above  date  the  matter  of  enlarging  the  banquet 
and  ball  room  and  moving  the  kitchen  to  the  basement  of 
the  Masonic  temple  was  brought  before  the  Commanderv 
for  its  consideration  when  the  Masonic  temple  committee 
was  authorized  to  obtain  and  submit  plans  and  specifications 
for  said  change. 

April  4,  19 1 5,  Easter  Sunday,  on  invitation  of  the  Rev. 
C.  A.  McKay,  eighty-four  Sir  Knights  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery donned  their  trappings  of  ancient  knighthood  and 
proceeded  in  a  body  to  attend  Easter  service  at  the  Congre- 
gational Church,  and  were  highly  entertained  with  a  sermon 
exceedingly  appropriate  for  the  occasion,  and  your  historian 
is  confident  that  every  f rater  of  Ottawa  Commanderv  who 
heard  the  sermon  was  glad  that  he  was  there. 


344  THE    KNIGHTS    TKMPI.AR, 

April  15,  [915,  Ottawa  Commandery  was  inspected  by 
Em.  Sir  Louis  Lincoln  Emmerson,  Grand  Sword  Bearer  of 
the  Grand  Commandery,  and,  as  of  old,  Ottawa  Command- 
cry  maintained  her  high  rank  in  efficiency  in  every  respect. 

riie  Order  of  the  temple  was  conferred  in  the  afternoon, 
the  inspection  of  the  Commandery  taking  place  in  the  even- 
ing, the  usual  banquet  and  flow  of  eloquence  being  a  part 
of  the  program. 

The  Grand  Commandery  was  represented  by  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Deputy  Grand  Commander,  Grand  Senior  War- 
den, Grand  Standard  Bearer,  and  Grand  Warder.  There 
were  also  present,  besides  the  eighty-four  fraters  of  Ottawa 
Commandery,  twenty  from  Streator,  six  from  Bethany  ^\ 
Mendota,  ten  from  St.  John's,  Peru,  eight  from  Aurora. 
two  from  Kankakee,  and  one  each  from  Chevalier  Bayard. 
Chicago,  Alt.  Vernon,  Mt.  Vernon,  111.,  and  Beaumanoir, 
Decatur.  111. 

Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10.  K.  T.,  has  reason  to  be 
proud  of  the  work  accomplished  under  the  commandership 
of  Em.  Sir  George  John  Waters,  and  we  congratulate  him 
on  his  excellent  record. 

In  Memoriam. 

The  last  enemy  of  man  is  Death,  and  to  him  must  all  of 
us  succumb.  This  inexorable  enemy  has  frequently  visited 
our  asylum  in  the  past,  but  his  touch  has  been  light  during 
the  past  Templar  year. 

Sir  Emil  J.  Hoffman  died  August  5.  19 14.  and  Sir 
Henry  Charles  Miller  December  12,  1914. 

As  a  man  grows  older  he  may  always  make  it  in  some 
manner  profitable  unto  himself  to  look  back  along  the  way 
he  has  journeyed,  and  commune  with  the  thronging  mem- 
ories, welcome  and  unwelcome,  of  the  past. 

It  is  \yell  for  us  sometimes  to  cast  up  and  balance  our 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  345 

accounts  with  time  and  opportunity.  From  the  near  and  far 
portion  of  the  road  by  which  we  have  come,  with  the  faces 
of  the  dead  friends  and  fraters  come  the  ghosts  of  lost 
opportunities  to  mock  us,  the  memories  of  enmities  and 
reconciliations  of  failures  and  successes,  of  wise  acts  and 
foolish  ones,  of  cares,  and  sorrows  and  disappointments,  oi 
gains  that  seemed  losses,  and  losses  that  seemed  to  he 
gains.  It  is  a  retrospect  through  a  long  vista  of  sunshine 
and  shadow,  of  storm  and  fair  weather. 

The  past  is  not  a  dead  past  for  any  of  us,  nor  for  any 
order  or  any  nation.  We  live  more  and  more  in  it  as  we 
journey  westward.  It  rules  our  present,  and  is  full  of  living- 
interest  for  all  of  us.  It  is  a  land  which  our  dead  inhabit, 
a  realm  into  which  we  also  are  soon  to  pass. 

The  roll  of  our  Templar  dead  is  increasing  every  year, 
and  it  is  with  bowed  forms  and  voices  of  melting  tenderness 
and  quivering  pen  that  we  add  to  the  roll  the  names  of  our 
dead,  and  extend  to  their  families  our  sympathies  and  con- 
dolences. 

But  no  tribute  or  eulogium  that  we  can  here  pronounce, 

or  bring  to  their  memory,  can  equal  what  should  justly  he 

awarded  them  by  those  who  knew  them  longest  and  best. 

They  are  no  longer  of  this  earth.     Their  work  among  men 

is  ended,  and  their  earthly  record  is  complete.     They  will 

never  again  answer  to  the  roll  call  of  Ottawa  Commandery. 

They  have  answered  the  call  of  the  Grand  Warder  from  on 

high. 

"We  are  such  stuff 
As  dreams  are  made  of,  and  our  little  life 
Is  rounded  with  a  sleep." 

Avery  Monument. 

It  is  with  very  great  satisfaction  that  we  can  at  this  con- 
clave of  Ottawa  Commandery  report  that  the  monument  to 
mark  the  last  resting  place* of  our  beloved  frater,  Sir  Julius 


3-1-6  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

C.  Avery,  has  been  purchased  and  placed  in  position  at  his 

grave,  which  had  remained  unmarked  for  nearly  one-half 
century.  And  it  is  with  just  pride  that  we  herewith  record 
the  names  of  the  fraters  of  Ottawa  Commander)-  who  con- 
tributed $1.00  each  to  this  tribute  to  Sir  Julius  C.  Avery, 
many  of  whom  have  themselves  passed  to  the  great  beyond. 
there  to  receive  their  reward  from  the  Grtat  Commander 
of  all:  W.  L.  Milligan,  T.  C.  Gibson,  W.  H.  Oilman,  W.  D. 
Fullerton,  Joseph  Allison,  Henrv  L.  Arnold.  ().  J.  Belknap, 
J.  M.  Berg,  M.  E.  Blanchard,  A.  E.  Butters.  C.  B.  Chap- 
man, William  Conger,  H.  G.  Cook.  George  C.  Dunaway, 
George  L.  Farnsworth,  Fred  L.  Fisher,  William  P.  Fread. 
C.  W.  Fredenburg,  W.  H.  Irwin,  Charles  Geiger,  F.  E. 
Gladfelter,  George  J.  Gleim.  J.  H.  Goodell,  Clarence  Griggs. 
John  F.  Nash,  A.  E.  Herzog,  Geo.  F.  Hills,  Gustav 
Ivneussl,  Alex.  McLean,  Duncan  McDougall.  F.  J.  Ma- 
laise. H.  L.  Miller.  A.  J.  Roberts,  J.  P.  Rodgers.  Robert  J. 
Reid,  W.  FI.  Rollo,  Perene  Shaver.  A.  D.  Simon.  Al.  F. 
Schoch,  C.  H.  Stockley,  A.  F.  Trager,  Henry  W'aldecker, 
George  J.  Waters.  F.  J.  Wendel,  William  Wilson. 

As  your  historian  ami  senior  Fast  Commander,  allow 
me  a  few  words  of  admonition.  Ottawa  Commandery  oc- 
cupies a  high  and  commanding  position  among  the  Com- 
manderies  of  this  Grand  jurisdiction,  one  worthy  of  its 
fair  fame  and  ancient  renown.  Fet  it  be  your  constant  aim, 
as  it  is  your  constant  duty,  to  preserve  its  high  standing,  to 
inculcate  the  great  religious  and  moral  duties  which  our 
ritual  teaches,  and  ever  to  stand  forth  as  the  champions  of 
the  Christian  religion,  which  you  have  solemnly  vowed,  on 
bended  knees  and  bowed  forms,  in  the  presence  of  the  most 
impressive  scenes,  to  maintain.  Fet  us  all  strive  to  culti- 
vate the  social  virtues,  and  render  our  friendships  and  con- 
nections with  each  other  of  the  most  lasting  character,  and 
let  us  never  lose  sight  of  the  sublime  precepts  and  divine 


JUS  TORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY. 


347 


teachings  which  that  beautiful  symbol,  above  the  dais,  the 
Cross,  should  continually  impress  upon  us. 

EXCERPTA:  May  we  keep  vigilant  and  faithful  sentinels 
posted  in  all  the  avenues  to  our  Heaven-favored  institution;  may 
we  study  its  teachings  with  that  faith  and  humility  which  will 
enable  us  to  keep  its  principles  and  precepts  everywhere  alive  and 
burning  upon  the  altars  of  our  hearts;  may  we  nurture  it  with 
care;  preserve  its  reputation  unsullied,  that  great  good  may  re- 
dound to  our  race,  and  the  Orders  of  Christian  Knighthood  be  pre- 
served in  all  their  purity  to  the  latest  posterity. 


1915-16. 

The  fifty- fourth  annual  conclave  of 
Ottawa  Commandery  was  convened 
June  10,  1915,  when  the  following  of- 
ficers were  elected  tor  the  ensuing 
Templar  rear : 

George  A.  Crowden  .  .  .  .Commander 
Joseph  H.  Pearson  .  .  .  .Generalissimo 
Alhert  Jay  Roberts.  .  Captain  General 
William  K.  Leverich .  .Senior  Warden 
Ray  Adelbert  Carter.  .Junior  Warden 

John  Hubbard  Goodell Prelate 

Alhert  Frederick  Schoch.  .  .Treasurer 

Robert  Lucien  Smith Recorder 

Robert  Floyd  Scoffern Standard  Bearer 

Clifford  Charles  Eichelberger Sword  Bearer 

William  Phineas  Fread Warder 

Joseph  Adams  Wilson Sentinel 

William  Lee  Roy  Milligan Historian 

Anthony  David  Simon Organist 

The  above  officers,  elected  and  appointed,  were  duly  in- 
stalled June  24,  191 5.  Em.  Sir  Henry  L.  Arnold  acted  as 
installing  officer,  assisted  by  Philip  J.  Wendel,  as  marshal. 


GEO.  A.  CROWDEN, 
E.  C.  1915-16. 


34&  THE   KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

Created:  John  Rutherford  Ford,  Benjamjn  Kbcn  Dale 
Frank  George  Yentzer,  Fred  Smith  Keeler,  Collins  Eugene 
Knapp,  Lester  William  Leipold,  Henry  Ward  Conde, 
James  Chester  Manning,  August  Ledrich,  Franklin  Stauffer 
Ebright,  Clarence  Miner  Watts,  John  Charles  Gleim,  Xels 
Albert  Fruland,  Ami  Manuel  Markeson,  Edward  Rudolph 
Clans,  Carl  Frederick  Clans.  William  II.  Springhorn,  Floyd 
Marsh  DeLapp,  George  Henry  Brandenburg,  Henry  Ehly. 
James  Lindsay,  Charles  Sumner  Cnllen,  Lewis  Henry  Clap- 
per, Leon  Frank  Levy,  Oscar  Albert  Sieffert,  Wilbur 
Grimes,  Arthur  M.  Kile.  Donald  John  McLeod,  Frederick 
E.  Beem. 

Affiliated:  John  Harold  Edgcomb  and  Charles  Arthur 
Briggs,  Jr. 

Demitted:  Milton  Eben  Blanchard  and  William  Pier- 
gue  Messenie. 

Suspended:  Harry  L.  Thrasher  and  Jonathan  M.  Fer- 
rell. 

Pied:  Walter  Briggs  Titus,  Joseph  Allison,  Celestine 
Rohrer,  George  II .  Ahlhorn  and  William  Holland  Sindeh 

A  Templar  hall  was  given  by  Ottawa  Commandery  on 
February  25,  [916,  at  the  Armory,  It  was  a  successful  af- 
fair, as  all  valiant  knights  and  ladies  fair  acclaim. 

Inspection  of  Ottawa  Commandery  was  held  April  6, 
1916.  K.  Em.  Sir  James  McCredie.  Grand  Captain  Gen- 
eral, was  the  inspection  officer.  There  were  present  sixty- 
eight  swords  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  two  from  Apollo, 
No.  1.  four  from  St.  John's,  No.  26,  and  thirteen  from 
Streator,  No.  70.  The  inspection  was  followed  by  a  ban- 
quet, around  which  festive  hoard  the  fraters  participated  in 
the  usual  (low  of  eloquence  interspersed  with  wit  and  humor. 

Easter  Sunday  was  observed  by  Ottawa  Commandery 
on  April  23,  19 16.  at  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  Rev. 
(diaries  Arthur  liriggs  officiating,  and  by  whom  a  very  in- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  349 

teresting  discourse  was  rendered.  Eighty-seven  swords  were 
in  line  in  full  Templar  uniform,  the  largest  attendance  by 
four  swords  that  ever  turned  out  for  Easter  Sunday  ser- 
vice. The  Eminent  Commander  was  justly  proud  of  this 
display  and  manifested  the  same  by  his  lofty  carriage  and 
military  bearing  as  he  marched  down  Columbus  street.  The 
discourse  by  Rev.  Sir  Charles  A.  Briggs  was  very  appro- 
priate for  the  occasion  and  was  greatly  appreciated  by  the 
Commandery. 

Ottawa  Commandery  has  now  on  her  roster  a  member- 
ship of  two  hundred  and  sixty-four,  a  net  gain  of  twenty- 
three  since  our  last  report  one  year  ago.  The  temple  in- 
debtedness of  Ottawa  Commandery  to  the  amount  of 
$1,150  has  been  liquidated,  which  leaves  only  $1,000  due 
on  that  account,  which,  the  same  degree  of  prosperity  the 
incoming  year  will  wipe  off  the  slate. 

Ottawa  Commandery  to-day,  with  the  largest  member- 
ship in  its  history  and  practically  out  of  debt,  is  financially 
in  splendid  condition.  The  records  of  the  Commandery  are, 
as  kept  by  Sir  Robert  Lucien  Smith,  models  of  neatness  and 
accuracy. 

Of  the  stewardship  of  Em.  Sir  George  Adelbert  Crow- 
den  over  the  destinies  of  Ottawa  Commandery  it  can  be 
well  and  truthfully  said,  in  the  language  of  the  Redeemer: 

"Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servant." 

Em.  Sir  Crowden  has  been  a  faithful  and  energetic 
worker  in  the  interest  of  Templar  Masonry  and  Ottawa 
Commanden-  in  particular,  and  the  number  of  initiates, 
twenty-nine,  was  only  excelled  in  Ottawa  Commandery  in 
1886,  when  your  Historian  was  Commander,  when  the  num- 
ber reported  to  the  Grand  Commandery,  as  having  been 
knighted,  was  thirty-seven,  thirty-six  of  whom  were 
knighted  between   May   20th   and   September  2d,  and  was 


35'  '  Til  E    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

not  excelled  by  any  Commandery  outside  of  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  city  of  Chicago,  and  then  only  by  St.  Bernard.  No. 
35,  and  Englewood  Commandery  working  under  dispen- 
sation. 

Em.  Sir  Crowden  is  an  impressive  ritualist,  and,  with  his 
bearing  and  personality,  should  certainly  make,  in  his  rendi- 
tion of  the  beautiful  and  impressive  Templar  ritual,  a  dee]) 
and  lasting  impression  on  the  neophyte,  unless  he  should  he 
so  unfortunate  as  to  lie  a  "stupid  atheist  or  an  irreligious 
libertine." 

With  a  membership  of  two  hundred  and  sixty-four,  Ot- 
tawa Commandery,  however,  has  not  given  the  Commander 
the  support  to  which  he  was  entitled.  The  Commandery 
was  to  he  congratulated  when  it  succeeded  in  electing  one  so 
peculiarly  fitted  for  the  Commandership  as  Em.  Sir  Crow- 
den. who  has  so  faithfully  performed  his  part  toward  main- 
taining the  honor  and  glory  of  Ottawa  Commandery. 

True  Templarism  is  not  pomp,  pageantry,  ceremonial. 
It  is  life.  High  moral  purity  is,  always  has  heen,  and  we 
trust  always  will  he,  one  of  the  grand  characteristics  of  our 
order. 

Ottawa  Commandery  will  he  just  exactly  what  its  mem- 
bers choose  to  make  it.  Nothing  more,  nothing  less.  Ot- 
tawa Commandery  has  a  roster  of  as  fine  a  body  of  repre- 
sentative citizens  as  can  he  found  anywhere.  Men  of  high 
standing  in  their  various  vocations,  men  of  honor  and  char- 
acter unassailable.  We  do  not  helieve  that  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery has  on  her  roster  a  Knight  who  is  not  interested 
in  the  welfare  of  Ottawa  Commandery  and  willing  to  sacri- 
fice not  only  his  time  hut  his  energy  and  intellect  for  the 
honor  and  glory  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  and  we  can  only 
account  for  the  non-support,  or  light  attendance,  at  the  con- 
claves, especially  when  a  good  attendance  is  required  to 
make  the  work  more  impressive  on  the  neophyte,  than  to 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA   COMMANDERY.  35  I 

the  fact  that,  having'  so  large  a  membership,  there  has  de- 
veloped a  feeling  among  the  individual  fraters  that  "there 
will  he  enough  to  assist  without  me." 

Now  this  feeling  is  well  and  good  if  the  other  fellow  had 
not  caught  the  same  contagion  and  created  an  epidemic. 
But  it  is  not  as  it  should  he. 

We  do  not  believe  that  Ottawa  Commandery  has  one 
single  member  who  does  not  appreciate  the  good  work  of 
the  Commander  and  his  official  staff  put  forth  the  past 
Templar  year. 

We  do  not  believe  there  is  one  member  hut  who  would 
have  been  willing  to  have  sacrificed  a  portion  of  his  time,  if 
he  had,  for  one  moment,  thought  it  necessary,  toward  main- 
taining and  supporting  an  institution  that  had  exalted  him  to 
a  higher  and  nobler  conception  of  human  existence — of  the 
mortality  of  the  body  and  the  immortality  of  the  soul.  We 
do  not  believe  that  there  are  any  "tares  in  the  wheat"  on  the 
roster  of  Ottawa  Commandery — those  who  do  not  appre- 
ciate the  symbolism  and  the  teachings  of  our  beautiful  and 
impressive  Templar  ceremonials.  Neither  do  we  believe  that 
we  have  any  "Judas  Iscariots"  among  our  apostles,  whose 
sole  ambition  is  to  wear  the  jewel  of  the  order,  or  for  mer- 
cenary or  other  unworthy  motives. 

If  there  is  one,  then  Ottawa  Commandery,  instead  of 
creating  a  knight  of  the  valiant  and  magnanimous  Order  of 
Knights  Templar,  Knight  of  Malta  of  the  Order  of  St. 
John  of  Jerusalem,  has  cast  a  pearl  before  a  swine. 

On  the  contrary,  if  you  feel  that  the  Commandery  is  not 
maintaining  its  exclusive  social  and  moral  distinction,  in 
which  you,  individually,  feel  that  it  should  bear  as  a  Com- 
mandery of  Knights  Templar;  if  you  feel  that  the  fraters 
are  not  maintaining  that  fraternal  fellowship  that  should 
follow  the  reception  of  the  orders,  and  are  not  given  to  the 


352  111  E    KNIGHTS   TEM  I'l.AK, 

practice  of  the  Christian  virtues,  as  promulgated  by  our 
ritual  and  exemplified  in  our  ceremonials,  attend  the  con- 
claves of  your  Commandery  and  assist  in  correcting  the 
evils  you  complain  of,  and  "Let  your  light  so  shine  among 
men,  that  they,  seeing  your  good  work,  may  glorify  our 
Father  which  is  in  Heaven." 

Memoriam. 

There  is  no  flock,  however  watched  and  tended, 

But  one  dead  lamb  is  there! 
There  is  no  fireside,  howsoe'er  defended, 

But  has  one  vacant  chair! 

The  air  is  full  of  farewells  to  the  dying, 

And  mournings  for  the  dead; 
The  heart  of  Rachel,  for  her  children  crying, 

Will  not  be  comforted! 

Let  us  be  patient!     These  severe  afflictions 

Not  from  the  ground  arise, 
But  oftentimes  celestial  benedictions 

Assume  this  dark  disguise. 

We  see  but  dimly  through  the  mists  and  vapors; 

Amid  these  earthly  damps, 
What  seem  to  us  but  sad,  funereal  tapers 

May  be  heaven's  distant  lamps. 

There   is   no   death.     What    seems   so   is   transition; 

This  life  of  mortal  breath 
Is  but  a  suburb  of  the  life  elysian 

Whose  portal  we  call  Death. 

One  beautiful  Sunday  afternoon,  in  the  month  t^i  May. 
J  took  one  of  my  usual  strolls  through  Ottawa  Avenue 
cemetery,  where  1  was  wont  to  worship  at  the  sepulchers  of 
departed  friends  and  fraters  and  commune  with  their  de- 
parted spirits,  which  seemed  to  he  hovering  around  me, 
while  meditating  on  vanished  days,  recalling  hallowed 
scenes  enacted  in  our  asylum  when  Nash,  and  Titus,  and 
Gibson,  and  Trimble,  and  McArthur,  and  Smith,  and  Dun- 
away,   with   us  no  more   forever,   in   their  serious  and  im- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  353 

pressive  manner,  exemplified  the  beautiful  and  impressive 
ceremonies  of  our  Templar  service. 

Mother  Earth  was  resplendent  in  her  Easter  garb — re- 
splendent with  its  Spring  verdure — carpeted  with  a  beau- 
tiful green — the  foliage  just  beginning  to  shade  the  grassy 
walks — the  rose  and  the  violets  had  just  come  forth  and 
opened  their  glad  eyes,  and  the  birds  were  flying  about  in 
joyous  caroling,  celebrating  in  festivities  the  New  Life, 
singing  their  melodies  and  whisking  from  shrub  to  shrub 
among  the  flowers  and  blossoms. .  It  was  a  beautiful  May 
day. 

I  walked  over  to  the  bank  of  the  river  and  looked  down 
on  its  broad  placid  surface,  scarcely  a  ripple  to  be  seen,  as 
it  murmured  along  through  the  valley  on  its  journey  to  the 
great  ocean. 

I  looked  up  into  the  infinite  space  of  the  blue  cloudless 
sky,  and  there  was  the  great  sun  looking  down  earnestly 
and  lovingly,  and  the  invisible  vapors  rising  from  the  river 
to  meet  him. 

No  eye  but  God's  beheld  those  vapors  as  they  rose. 

Soon  they,  in  the  higher  atmosphere,  began  to  condense 
into  mist;  then,  as  it  floated  away,  began  to  gather  into 
clouds. 

I  could  see  those  clouds  forming  and  floating  and  swim- 
ming around  in  the  ambient  air.  Condensed  still  more  by 
the  change  of  temperature,  those  small  clouds  soon  began 
to  roll  in  huge  black  masses  in  the  west,  and  the  zigzag 
lightnings  began  to  flash  from  the  black  masses,  and  the 
thunder  began  to  roll  and  reverberate  up  the  valley,  echo- 
ing and  re-echoing  among  the  glens  and  grottos  along  the 
hillsides. 

Soon  the  vapors  that  God  had  seen  ascending  from  the 
river,  and  which  1  had  seen  condense  into  small  clouds,  came 


354  THE    KNIGHTS   TKM  I'l.AK, 

rolling  up  the  valley,  and  the  trees  and  shrubbery  began  to 
sway  and  bend  with  the  force  of  the  wind  as  if  bowing  an 
acknowledgment  to  the  ( iod  of  Heaven  for  the  vapor  he 
had  taken  from  the  river  and  condensed  into  the  clouds  from 
which  was  now  falling  the  rain — refreshing  Mother  Earth. 
The  storm  and  the  rain  soon  passed  away;  the  clouds 
vanished,  and  the  great  sun  again  reflected  his  refulgent 
rays  upon  the  glad  earth. 

The  grassy  mounds  were  refreshed  and  all  nature 
seemed  brighter  and  newer  after  the  storm.  The  birds  were 
bathing  their  beautiful  plumage  in  the  little  pods  of  water 
and  singing  more  joyously  than  before. 

As  the  sunshine  and  the  storm  passed  over  me,  while 
standing  among  the  stones  and  lettered  monuments,  sym- 
bolizing the  affections  of  surviving  friends  and  fraters,  there, 
before  me,  1  beheld  with  no  uncertain  vision,  God's  answer 
to  the  question,  "If  a  man  die  shall  he  live  again?" 

The  uncertainty  of  human  life,  the  certainty  of  death, 
and  the  immutable  evidences  of  an  immortality  were  de- 
picted all  around  and  about  me:  The  river,  the  vapor,  the 
clouds,  the  storm,  and  the  rain  to  replenish  the  earth  from 
which  arose  a  New  Life  in  the  verdure  and  foliage  around 
me. 

Our  gaae  cannot  soar  to  that  beautiful  land, 

But  our  visions  have  told  of  its  bliss, 
And  our  souls  by  the  gate  of  its  gardens  are  fanned 

When  we  faint  in  the  desert  of  this. 

And  so  it  is  in  human  life.  We  cannot  see  the  spiritual 
vapor,  and,  not  having  examined  the  evidences  of  its  authen- 
ticity, we  are  contented  in  our  temporal  well  being. 

Perhaps  it  is  just  as  well.  God  never  intended  we  should 
know  the  secrets  of  I  lis  asylum.  Neither  do  we  believe  that 
lie  placed  us  on  this  terrestrial  sphere  intending  that  we 
should  devote  all  our  time  and  all  our  energies  walking  in 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COM  MANDERY.  355 

sackcloth  and  ashes  crying  down  this  earth  with  its  splendid 
beauty,  its  thrilling  interests,  its  glorious  works,  its  noble 
and  holy  affections,  and  detach  our  hearts  from  this  earthly 
life  as  empty,  fleeting  and  unworthy,  in  seeking"  an  inher- 
itance in  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven.  But  if  we  cultivate  the 
Held  of  courage,  cheerfulness,  energy  and  dignity  of  human 
existence,  and  have  an  abiding  faith  in  God,  hope  in  immor- 
tality, and  charity  toward  all  mankind,  we  have  accom- 
plished the  object  implanted  in  the  bosom  of  every  Knight 
Templar  and  believer  in  the  Christian  religion — eternal  hap- 
piness in  the  world  to  come. 

There  has  passed  to  This  Estate  since  our  last  annual 
conclave  four  valiant  and  magnanimous  Knights  of  this 
Commander}- : 

Em.  Sir  Walter  Briggs  Titus,  June  20,  191 5. 

Sir  Joseph   Allison,  September   1,    1915. 

Sir  George  H.  Ahlborn,  January   11,   1916. 

Sir  Celestine  Rohrer,  March  3,  1916. 

The  lives  and  Templar  virtues  of  Sir  Knights  Walter 
Briggs  Titus  and  Sir  Joseph  Allison  were  reviewed  in  a 
memorial  by  your  memorial  committee  and  presented  to  and 
approved  by  this  Commandery  November  25,  1015.  and  is 
appended  hereto. 

Sir  George  II.  Ahlborn  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Com- 
mander)- April  10,  [902,  and  passed  to  his  reward  in  Nash- 
ville, Tenn.,  January  11,  [916.  Sir  Knight  Ahlborn  was 
a  sojourner  with  us  as  a  citizen  but  a  few  years,  and  while 
here  was  connected  with  the  Gay  carriage  factory  as  a  car- 
riage trimmer,  lie  was  a  man  of  a  lovable  disposition,  and 
during  his  few  years  in  our  city  made  a  host  of  friends, 
lie  was  a  firm  believer  in  the  Christian  religion,  and  we 
have  no  doubt  that  when  his  spirit  departed  from  its  tene- 
ment of  clay  that  it  took  its  flight  to  Realms  of  Light  and 


356  I'll  E    K  NIGHTS    I  KM  IM.AK, 

Life  Eternal,  and  is  now  reaping  the  reward  of  a  well  spent 
life. 

He  left  surviving  his  widow,  to  whom  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery  extends  its  sincere  sympathy  and  condolence  in 
the  loss  of  a  devoted  husband. 

George  II.  Ahlborn,  knight,  hail  and  farewell! 

Sir  Celestine  Rohrer  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Command- 

erv  August  9,  1883.  and  passed  to  his  reward  March  3,  [916. 
Sir  Knight  Rohrer  was  a  faithful  member  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery for  more  than  thirty-two  years.  There  are  but  few 
of  us  old  fraters  left  to  recount  the  hallowed  scenes  which 
were  witnessed  in  our  Commandery  years  ago.  While  Sir 
Rohrer's  residence  was  more  than  twenty  miles  away.  he. 
away  back  in  the  8o's,  was  seldom  absent  from  any  of  our 
conclaves,  and  took  great  pleasure  in  attending  with  his  Com- 
mandery Easter  services  and  Templar  pilgrimages.  He 
loved  the  institution  for  the  good  there  was  in  it.  and.  we 
believe,  practiced,  as  near  as  possible  for  frail  humanity,  the 
virtues  which  it  professes,  We  were  always  pleased  to  meet 
and  greet  him  in  our  fraternal  circles,  and  the  hearts  of  his 
fraters  will  mourn  his  passing  away,  for  he  was  lovingly 
enshrined  in  them  all. 

We  have  no  doubt  that  he  now  rests  secure  in  his  high 
immortality  in  the  Supreme  Conclave  above.  To  those  of 
his  family  who  remain  to  mourn  his  passing  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery extends  its  sincere  sympathy  and  condolence. 

He  was  buried  under  the  auspices  of  the  Masonic  fra- 
ternity, Ottawa  Commandery  acting  as  escort.  Sir  Rohrer 
was  born  in  France  in  May,  [839.  He  was  a  brother  to  our 
late  frater.  Louis  Rohrer,  who  at  one  time  represented  this 
district  in  the  legislature. 

Celestine  Rohrer,  hail  and  farewell! 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  35/ 

THE  EUROPEAN   WAR. 

The  peoples  of  the  nations  of  the  earth  had  fondly 
dreamed  that  the  Utopia  and  the  Millennium  were  at  hand — 
Satan  bound  and  Holiness  triumphant  throughout  the  world 
— and  had  begun  to  believe  that  man  was  not,  after  all,  a 
hyena  half-tamed  and  that  the  smell  of  blood  would  wake 
the  savage  instincts  within  him,  when  all  of  a  sudden, 
startled  from  their  delusive  dreams,  they  found  the  thin 
mask  of  civilization  rent  in  twain  and  thrown  contemptuous- 
ly away. 

With  the  dove  of  peace  hovering-  over  them,  they  laid 
down  to  sleep  in  their  little  hamlets,  dreaming  of  the  bounti- 
ful harvest  ripening  for  the  sickle.  Round  them  hung  the 
clustering  grapes  in  their  vineyards,  and  the  green  leaves  of 
the  olive  trembled  in  the  soft  night  air  over  them.  Above 
them,  from  a  peaceful  firmament,  shone  the  "milky  way," 
and  the  constellations  of  heaven  reflecting  a  beatific  vision 
upon  them. 

Suddenly,  as  if  startled  from  a  dream,  they  heard  the 
blare  of  bugles  and  the  rumbling  of  artillery  along  the  high- 
ways, and  the  clash  of  sabers  and  the  rattling  of  machine 
guns  in  their  gardens  and  vineyards.  The  lightning  flashes 
from  the  artillery  lighted  up  the  heavens,  the  smoke  of  bat- 
tle shrouded  the  bosom  of  the  sky,  and  the  roar  and  shriek 
of  a  war  of  nations  was  all  around  them.  The  old  world 
was  a  pandemonium.  The  nations  were  called  to  arms,  and 
their  great  armies  rolled  their  hideous  waves  over  field  and 
hamlet,  leaving  desolation  and  ruin  behind  them.  Men  who, 
only  a  short  time  before,  were  engaged  in  peaceful  pursuits 
were  now  racking  their  ingenuity  and  tasking  their  inven- 
tive powers  in  the  development  of  infernal  engines  of  de- 
struction, by  which  to  more  expeditiously  and  effectively 
tear  and  mangle  human  beings. 

Homes  and  hamlets  were  pillaged  and  plundered,  and  no 


358  'I'll  K    K  NIGHTS    I'l'.M  PLAR, 

respect  of  person  was  shown  to  age  or  sex.  The  nursing 
child  was  snatched  from  its  mother's  breast  and  borne  ruth- 
lessly away.  Gray  hairs  were  dabbled  in  blood,  and  inno- 
cent maidens  shrieked  in  vain  for  mercy.  Works  of  art, 
the  admiration  of  the  world,  never  again  to  be  replaced, 
were  destroyed.  Old  cathedrals,  the  handy  workmanship  of 
operative  masons  centuries  ago,  with  towering  minarets 
reaching  heavenward,  that  had  watched  the  stars  in  their 
course  by  night,  and  by  day  had  caught  the  first  rays  of 
the  rising  sun  and  reflected  its  farewell  benedictions  among 
the  aisles  and  arches,  through  windows  dim  with  the  dust  of 
ages,  escaped  not  the  vandalism  of  the  invading  foe,  and 
shot  and  shell  completed  the  destruction  of  those  wondrous 
structures,  in  which  had  been  expounded  for  centuries  the 
precepts  of  Christ :     "Peace  on  earth  and  good  will  to  men." 

God  seemed  to  have  abdicated,  and  the  deity  of  the  Am- 
monites to  reign  in  His  stead.  Laws,  courts,  treaties,  Chris- 
tianity, mercy  and  pity  had  disappeared,  while  the  press  and 
the  pulpit  and  potentates  of  the  contending  nations,  each, 
blasphemously  claiming  God  on  their  side,  alike  exulted  and 
urged  the  extermination  of  their  foes  by  hellish  engines  of 
destruction,  and  that  such  ghastly  warfare  entitled  the  con- 
tending warriors  to  heroic  badges  and  the  thanks  of  Chris- 
tian nations. 

In  the  wake  of  this  great  misfortune  we  see  the  taunt- 
ing infidel  trying  to  cast  the  shadow  of  doubt  upon  the  soul 
that  would  fain  love,  trust  and  believe  in  that  religion  of 
which  the  Cross  we  wear  is  a  symbol.  He  asks  us,  in  the 
light  of  the  misfortunes  of  this  great  war,  to  doubt  the 
truth  of  revelation  and  the  very  existence  of  a  beneficent 
God.  lie  asks  us  when  swords  are  to  be  beaten  into  plow- 
shares and  spears  into  pruning  hooks,  and  the  reign  of  Em- 
manuel, the  prince  of  peace,  will  be  perfect  and  everlasting, 
lie  asks  us  if  man  is  not  after  all  but  a  little  removed  from 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  359 

the  savage,  and  all  our  boasted  higher  state  of  civilization 
and  Christian  professions  but  the  creation  of  imagination — 
the  heir-apparent  of  human  vanity  and  self-conceit — and  if 
when,  as  a  guide,  we  abandon  reason,  the  theology  of  the 
Pagans  has  not  the  same  claim  on  our  implicit  faith  as  the 
religion  in  the  defense  of  which  we  have  sworn  to  wield  our 
swords. 

This  is  not  a  pen-picture  painted  by  imagination.  Many 
a  thoughtful  mind  is  wavering  in  doubt  and  despair.  Tt  be- 
hooves us,  then,  as  Knights  Templar,  as  professors  of  a  firm 
and  unshaken  belief  in  the  Christian  religion,  wherever  dis- 
persed throughout  the  globe,  to  see  to  it  that  our  faith  is 
so  well  grounded  and  complete  that  we  shall  never  hear 
those  painful  whisperings  of  infidelity  within  our  souls. 
Thrice  blessed  are  they  who  never  doubt  and  on  whose 
soul  never  rests  that  awful  shadow,  which  is  the  absence  of 
Divine  Light. 

Let  us,  therefore,  as  Knights  of  the  valiant  and  mag- 
nanimous Order  of  Knights  Templar,  wherever  dispersed 
throughout  the  globe,  with  unbiased  minds,  watch  and  pray 
for  that  day  when  this  horrible  war  shall  be  ended  and  that 
day  "when  nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword  against  nation, 
neither  shall  thev  learn  war  any  more ;  when  the  reign  of 
Immanuel.  the  Prince  of  Peace,  the  Captain  of  our  Salvation, 
shall  be  perfect  and  everlasting." 

— W.  L.  Milligan,  Historian. 

The  memorial  committee,  consisting  of  W.  L,  Milligan, 
H.  L.  Arnold  and  P.  J.  Wendel,  presented  the  following- 
tributes  to  the  deceased  fraters,  E.  J.  Hoffman,  H.  C.  Miller, 
W.  H.  Sindel,  W.  B.  Titus  and  Joseph  Allison,  which  were 
read  and  approved  by  Ottawa  Commander)-  November  25, 

1915: 

Tt  can  be  trulv  said  that  in  our  ranks — 


360  I'll  E    KNIGHTS   TEM  1'I.AK, 

Death's  shafts   fly   thick; 

The  cup  goes  round; 

And  he  so  skilled  as  to  put  it  by? 

There  is  always  something  sad  about  the  death  of  any 
one,  even  when  the  allotted  lifetime  of  man  has  passed,  and 
old  age,  with  its  attendant  infirmities,  renders  life  almost 
a  burden.  Bttt  how  much  more  sad  when  the  destroyer's 
hand  strikes  down  manhood  in  the  prime  of  life. 

A  German  philosopher  conceived  of  the  soul  or  spirit  as 
springing-  from  the  tomb  as  a  flower.  How  lovely  in  tint, 
how  sweet  in  odor,  would  he  the  flowers  which  might  spring 
from  the  graves  of  the  spirits,  the  ashes  of  whose  bodies 
rest  in  peace.  The  smile  has  faded  from  our  sight,  and 
"silence  now.  enamored  of  the  voices,  locks  its  mute  music 
in  her  rugged  cell." 

Reviewing  the  long  roll  of  departed  worth,  genius  and 

trtte  manhood  in  these  memorial  pages  we  are  reminded  that 

our  lives  are  but  as  the  sands  upon  the  shore,  our  voices  hut 

the  evening  zephyrs  that  dally  the  leaf  for  a  moment,  and 

pass  away  forever. 

'Tis  the  wink  of  an  eye,  'tis  the  draught  of  a  breath, 
From  the  blossom  of  health  to  the  paleness  of  death, 
From  the  gilded  saloon  to  the  bier  and  the  shroud — 
Oh!    why  should  the  spirits  of  mortals  be  proud? 

Whence  or  how  we  came  is  a  mystery.  \\  hither  we  tend 
we  know  not.  We  do  know  that  the  survivors  of  us  all 
shall  tarry  hut  a  little  while  here,  and  then  join  the  mighty 
caravan  that  has  gone  forward  to  the  infinite  Beyond.  As 
each  falls  his  place  is  filled,  and  as  these  perish  and  fall  away 
others  advance  and  take  their  places,  for  whom  also  the  seed- 
time and  harvest,  the  snow  and  the  rain,  the  sunshine  and 
the  storm,  the  flowers  and  the  sweet  music  of  birds  shall 
come  and  go.  And  although  the  "dewy  1  sis"  hath  power  to 
sewer  the  earthly  bond,  yet  the  spirits  i)\  all  true  Sir  Knights 
are  still  one,  one  in   faith,  in  hope  and  in  love,  and  one  in 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  361 

all  that  conquers  death,  for,  in  response,  as  in  echo,  to  the 
"dust  to  dust  and  ashes  to  ashes"  there  comes  ever  the  in- 
juring music  of  hope. 

In  the  vacant  council  chamber,  and  even  in  the  saddened 
heart,  hope,  in  form  more  beautiful  than  the  Diana  of  Gre- 
cian mythology,  stands  as  an  angel  of  consolation,  and  her 
every  breath  fragrant  with  the  promise  of  final  victory,  and 
of  the  glad  time  when  there  shall  be  no  mystic  orphanage  of 
spirits  that  are  fraternal;  no  more  mystic  divorce  of  hearts 
that  are  wedded. 

Even  if  we  cannot  touch  the  vanished  hand  or  hear  the 
sound  of  the  voice  that  is  still,  the  cheering  consolation  of 
our  faith  bids  us  ever  hear  in  mind  that — 

Death  hath  made  no  breach 
In  love  and  sympathy,  in  hope  and  trust: 
No  outward  sign  or  sound  our  ears  can  reach; 
But  there's  an  inward,  spiritual  speech 
That  greets  us  still,  though  mortal  tongue  be  dead, 
And  bids  do  the  work  that  they  laid  down." 
< 

Emil  J.  Hoffman. 
Born  in  Ottawa.  Illinois,  September   14,   1865;  died  in 
Ottawa,  Illinois,  August  5,  1914. 

Sir  Knight  Emil  J.  Hoffman  was  a  native  of  our  city  and 
spent  nearly  all  his  life  in  this  beautiful  valley.  He  was 
ill  but  a  short  time,  and  his  sudden  taking  off  was  a  shock 
to  those  who  knew  and  loved  him  for  his  many  manly  traits 
of  character.  He  was  a  druggist  by  profession,  and  was 
in  the  employment  of  Marshall  Field  &  Co.,  in  the  drug 
department,  for  ten  years,  when  thirteen  years  ago  he 
severed  his  connection  with  this  firm  and  returned  to  his 
native  town  and  obtained  a  position  with  the  Western  Cot- 
tage  Piano  and  Organ  Co.,  which  position  be  held  at  the 
time  of  his  death,  lie  was  united  in  marriage  twenty  years 
ago  and  leaves  surviving  his  widow  and  four  sisters. 

His   funeral   services   were  conducted   in    the    Masonic 


362  I'll  E    K  \  FGHTS    I'l'.M  1'l.AK, 

temple  under  the  auspices  of  Occidental  Lodge,  No.  40.  A. 
F.  &  A.  M.  The  interment  was  in  Ottawa  Avenue  Ceme- 
tery, Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  Knights  Templar,  acting 
as  escort  to  Occidental  Lodge,  No.  40.  A.  I-'.  &  A.  M. 

Sir  Knight  Emil  J.  Hoffman  was  affiliated  with  the  fol- 
lowing Masonic  bodies:  Occidental  Lodge,  No.  40,  A.  F. 
&  A.  M.;  Shabbona  Chapter.  No.  37,  R.  A.  M. ;  Ottawa 
Commandery,  No.  10.  K.  T. 

In  his  friendship  he  was  true  and  steadfast.  In  his  Ma- 
sonic duties  he  was  enthusiastic  and  always  ready  to  assist 
in  the  ceremonials  or  respond  to  appeals  for  charity.  Ot- 
tawa Commandery  valued  him  among  her  most  valiant  f rat- 
ers. His  loss  is  mourned  by  his  many  friends,  who  extend, 
with  Ottawa  Commandery,  their  sympathy  to  his  bereaved 
widow  and  sisters,  who  more  than  any  others  feel  keenly 
their  sad  bereavement. 

Emil  j.  Hoffman,  valiant  and  magnanimous  Knight, 
hail  and  farewell! 

Henry  Charles  Miller. 

Born  February  20,  1865;  died  December  12,  19 14. 

Sir  Knight  Henry  Charles  Miller  was  knighted  in  Ot- 
tawa Commandery  September  14,  191 1,  and  retained  his 
affiliation  to  the  time  of  his  death. 

He  had  made  Serena,  Illinois,  his  home  for  the  past 
fourteen  years  prior  to  his  death,  working  at  his  trade,  that 
of  blacksmithing.  He  was  a  man  of  spotless  character  and 
was  admired  by  those  who  knew  him  longest  and  best.  His 
patience  and  perseverance,  his  constancy  and  courage,  his 
faith  and  humility,  have  doubtless  culminated  in  the  rich 
fruition  of  the  paradise  of  God. 

His  remains  were  deposited  in  their  last  resting  place 
by  the  Masonic  fraternity  in  the  cemetery  overlooking  the 
beautiful  vallev  of  the  Fox  river  near  Serena. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  363 

To  his  aged  mother  and  his  two  sisters,  who  survive  him, 
and  who  most  miss  his  genial  smile  and  affectionate  dis- 
position, Ottawa  Commanderv  extends  its  sympathy  and 
condolence. 

I  lenry  Charles  Miller,  valiant  and  magnanimous  Knight, 
hail  and  farewell ! 

William  1  [olland  Sindel. 

Born  in  Ohio  January  27,  1844;  died  in  Marseilles.  111., 
May  30.  191 5. 

Sir  Knight  William  Holland  Sindel  was  a  veteran  of 
the  civil  war,  having  seen  service  at  the  hattle  of  Winchester, 
Morris  Island  and  Petersburg,  and  was  wounded  on  three 
occasions.  After  the  war  he  located  in  Toledo,  Ohio,  where 
he  worked  at  the  carpenter  trade.  He  came  to  Illinois  in 
1866  and  located  in  Marseilles  in  1871,  where  he  has  since 
resided. 

He  was  married  to  Miss  Alida  C.  Wilsey  March  21, 
[872,  and.  besides  his  widow,  leaves  two  daughters  and  one 
son  surviving,  and  to  whom  Ottawa  Commandery  extends 
its  sincere  sympathy  and  condolence. 

Sir  Knight  William  Holland  Sindel  was  knighted  in 
Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  Knights  Templar,  Mav  17. 
1906,  and  has  ever  been  a  consistent  and  valued  member  of 
the  order. 

He  sleeps,  but  we  would  not  awaken  him,  for  we  know- 
that  having  discharged  all  the  duties  of  life  as  a  soldier, 
patriot,  a  peaceful  citizen,  an  honored  and  affectionate  hus- 
band and  father,  and  a  faithful  and  valiant  Knight  of  the 
order,  he  has  nobly  earned  his  rest,  and  we  entertain  the 
hope  that  when  the  blare  of  the  trumpet  shall  summons  his 
surviving  friends  and  fraters  there  will  be  a  meeting  on  the 
other  shore  where  tears  and  sorrows  are  unknown. 

William  Holland  Sindel,  valiant  and  magnanimous 
knight,  hail  and  farewell ! 


^>4  the  knights  templar, 

Walter  Briggs  Titus. 

P><>rn  in  Xew  York  September  i,  [824;  died  in  Ottawa, 
Illinois,  June  20,    1  9  1  5. 

Sir  Knight  Walter  Briggs  Titus  was  nearly  9]  years 
old  at  the  time  of  his  death.  I  le  was  married  to  Miss  Mary 
A.  Buell  December  25,  [850,  in  Victor,  Xew  York,  and 
moved  to  Ottawa,  Illinois,  in  November,  1853,  which  was 
ever  after  their  home.  Mrs.  Titus  preceded  Sir  Titus  to 
the  Great  Beyond  hut  a  few  years. 

Sir  Titus  was  a  contractor  when  he  came  to  (  )ttawa  and 
was  assistant  superintendent  of  the  Illinois  and  Michigan 
canal  for  a  number  of  years. 

He  retired  from  active  life  in  the  early  eighties.  He  is 
survived  by  two  nieces  and  one  nephew,  who  reside  in  Otta- 
wa. Interment  was  in  Ottawa  Avenue  cemetery  under  the 
auspices  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  Knights  Templar. 

He  was  raised  in  Occidental  Lodge,  No,  40,  A.  F.  & 
A.  M.,  November  23,  1874:  demitted  March  [3,  i  S79,  and 
a  few  years  prior  to  his  death  affiliated  with  Humboldt 
Lodge,  No.  555.  A.  F.  &  A.  M. 

He  was  exalted  in  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  $~,  April  7, 
1S75,  and  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10, 
Knights  Templar,  June  3,  1875.  He  was  elected  Com- 
mander of  Ottawa  Commandery  December  [3,  iSSS.  and  re- 
elected December  [2,  [889.  On  January  17,  1881,  he  was 
elected  Prelate  of  his  Commandery,  which  office  he  held. 
with  the  exception  of  three  years,  two  of  which  he  was  Com- 
mander, until  and  including  the  Templar  year  1911.  nearly 
thirty  consecutive  years.  As  Prelate  he  was  considered  the 
most  impressive  ritualist  in  this  grand  jurisdiction,  and  we 
who  were  knighted  while  he  was  officiating  as  Prelate  know- 
that  we  became  better  knights  and  better  citizens  because 
of  the  impression  he  made  on  us  in  his  rendition  of  the 
Templar  ritual,  well  knowing  that  he  was  a  firm  believer 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  365 

himself  in  every  word  he  uttered,  and  his  fidelity  was  and 
always  has  been  an  inspiration  to  those  who  were  fortunate 
to  witness  the  ceremonies  as  exemplified  by  him. 

Being"  a  truly  Christian  gentleman  and  a  faithful  com- 
mutor  of  the  Congregational  Church,  he  was  most  thorough- 
ly impressed  with  the  principles  and  teachings  of  the  Or- 
der of  the  Temple,  and  his  appreciation  and  discerning  in- 
telligence rose  to  the  highest  conception  of  all  that  is  in- 
volved in  the  ritual,  the  esoteric  mysteries,  the  sublime 
truths,  and  the  deep  foundations,  the  outward  as  well  as 
the  internal  organization  and  government  of  the  order.  His 
belief  in  the  usefulness  of  the  institution  and  its  beneficent 
effects  in  the  elevation  of  humanity  and  as  an  instrument  for 
the  promotion  of  good  was  abiding  and  founded  upon  an 
intelligent  and  thorough  appreciation  of  its  principles  and 
teachings. 

Sir  Walter  Briggs  Titus  was  public-spirited  to  an  un- 
usual degree,  kind-hearted  and  charitable  in  the  broadest 
sense  of  the  word,  and  unselfish  to  an  extent  rarely  known  in 
these  grasping  and  greedy  times.  Through  all  the  mutations 
of  changing  fortune  he  maintained  unsullied  his  knightly 
characteristics  and  left  as  his  richest  heritage  an  escutcheon 
untarnished,  a  reputation  for  probity,  hospitality,  benevo- 
lence and  generosity  which  made  his  name  revered  by  those 
who  knew  him  longest  and  best.  His  honesty  and  probity 
was  never  assailed  by  the  breath  of  calumy;  his  charity 
and  benevolence  never  failed  to  give  relief  to  the  needy, 
and  sympathy  to  the  suffering,  and  his  generosity  was  so 
open-handed  and  unselfish  as  to  subject  him  not  unfrequent- 
lv  to  the  wiles  of  the  sharper,  even  to  his  own  pecuniary  in- 
jury, but  even  this  was  impotent  to  check  the  generosity  and 
kindly  sympathies  of  his  nature,  which  secured  for  him  the 
well  earned  fame  "for  deeds  of  charity  and  acts  of  pure 
benevolence." 


366  Til  E    KNIGHTS    I'l'.M  I'l.AK, 

Let  ns  bow  lowly  to  his  knightly  deeds! 

He  sleeps  placidly  in  the  beautiful  cemetery  on  the  banks 
( :f  the  I  Hint  >is. 

Our  esteemed  frater  passed  away  as  quietly  as  he  lived, 
and  thus  has  been  severed  another  link  in  the  chain  which 
unites  us  with  the  past. 

He  passed  through  his  earthly  prilgrimage  bearing  his 
cross  with  humility  and  approached  the  dark  river  with  a 
firm  faith  that  his  award  awaited  him  on  the  other  side. 

"Be  thou  faithful  unto  death  and  I  will  give  thee  a  crown 
of  life." 

To  his  immediate  relatives  Ottawa  Commandery  extends 
its  sincere  sympathies  and  condolences. 

Sir  Walter  Briggs  Titus,  valiant  and  magnanimous 
knight,  hail  and  farewell ! 

Joseph  Allison. 

Born  July  jo.  1801,  at  South  Church,  near  Bishopauk- 
land.  England;  died  September  1.  [915,  at  Ottawa,  Illinois. 

Sir  Knight  Joseph  Allison  came  to  the  United  Stales 
twenty  years  ago,  and  came  direct  to  La  Salle  county.  Illi- 
nois, from  New  York  City,  first  residing  in  Streator,  Illi- 
nois, for  a  short  time,  when  he  moved  his  family  to  (  )ttawa, 
where  he  has  since  resided.  By  occupation  he  was  a  locomo- 
tive engineer  and  had  operated  a  switch  engine  in  Ottawa, 
for  the  C,  B.  &  O.  railroad,  since  coming  to  this  city. 

lie  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Margaret  Hopper  at 
Bishopaukland,  England,  February  21,  1886,  and  to  this 
union  seven  children  were  born. 

(  Kir  beloved  frater  was  one  of  (  )ttawa's  best  known  men. 
His  was  a  lovable  nature,  and  made  him  friends  oi  all  his 
fellow  workmen,  who  deeply  mourned  his  untimely  taking 
away. 

In  the  Masonic  fraternity  he  held  active  membership  in 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  367 

Humboldt  Lodge,  No.  555,  A.  F.  &  A.  M. ;  Shabbona  Chap- 
ter, Xo.  37,  R.  A.  M.,  and  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10, 
Knights  Templar.  He  held  many  important  offices  in  the 
above  bodies,  and  served  his  Chapter  as  High  Priest  during 
the  year  1906. 

His  remains  were  deposited  in  their  last  resting  place 
in  the  valley  he  loved  so  well  by  the  Masonic  fraternity. 

Sir  Knight  Joseph  Allison  was  ever  constant  and  de- 
voted to  his  Masonic  duties  and  performed  them  with 
marked  ability.  Fidelity  was  his  prominent  characteristic, 
ever  true  to  his  Masonic  obligations  and  trustworthy  in  all 
his  dealings  with  mankind.  His  friendship  was  warm,  his 
nature  generous  and  his  humanity  broad  and  more  mani- 
fest in  action  than  in  words;  possessing  all  those  virtues 
which  are  requisite  to  constitute  a  valiant  and  magnanimous 
knight.  His  faithful  reliance  on  the  promises  of  the  Holv 
Scripture,  and  firm  trust  in  the  mercy  of  his  Redeemer, 
which  all  true  Sir  Knights  entertain,  ensures  us  that  his 
spirit  passed  oxer  the  trials  and  vicissitudes  of  his  earthly 
pilgrimage  to  realms  of  life  and  light  eternal. 

Our  sincere  sympathies  and  condolences  are  extended  to 
his  widow  and  fatherless  children  in  their  hour  of  sorrow. 

Joseph   Allison,   valiant  and  magnanimous  knight,  hail 

and  farewell ! 

Alas!  when  all  is  said  which  we  can  say, 

Above  the  pallid,  cold  and  silent  clay, 

When  throbbing,  sobbing  dirge  and  funeral  song 

Their  force  have  spent  upon  the  mourning  throng — 

When  tone,  as  well,  from  speaker's  voice  has  sped, 

Naught  then  is  left  but  memories  of  our  dead. 

EXCERPTA:  As  the  handmaid  of  religion.  Masonry  (and 
Christian  Knighthood)  has  an  appropriate  mission  to  perform,  and 
as  long  as  it  confines  itself  to  its  proper  sphere  we  have  nothing 
to  fear  from  the  assaults  of  our  enemies.  But  the  disposition 
manifest  in  certain  quarters  to  substitute  Masonry  (or  Christian 
Knighthood)  for  the  Church  will,  if  persisted  in,  prove  a  death- 
blow  to  our  institution.     In   its   collective  sense,  the   church   em- 


368 


I'll  E    KNIGHTS   TK.M  I'l.AK, 


bracts  all  who  profess  to  believe  in  Christ,  and  acknowledge  Him 
to  be  the  Saviour  of  mankind.  With  the  different  creeds  of  those 
who  compos. ■  the  church  universal,  we,  as  Templars,  have  nothing 
to  do;  and  when  assailed  by  bigotry  and  intolerance,  instead  of 
condemning  the  church,  we  should  remember  there  was  a  Judas 
among  the  twelve,  who,  by  transgression,  fell  and  betrayed  his 
Lord  and  Master. 


ADDENDA. 
From  June  8,  19165  to  April  S,   [917. 


The    fifty-fifth 

annual  conclave  of 

Ottawa  Command- 

ery  was  convened 

June  8,  [9  [6,  when 

the  following  offi- 
cers   were    elected 

for     the     ensuing 

Templar  year : 

Joseph  1  fatheway  Pearson Commander 

Albert  Jay  Roberts Generalissimo 

William  Kirk  Leverich   Captain  ( General 

Chark^  Arthur  Briggs,  Jr Prelate 

Albert   Frederick  Schoch   Treasurer 

Robert  Lucien  Smith Recorder 

Ray  Adelbert  Carter Senior  Warden 

William  Phineas  Fread Junior  Warden 

John  Arnold  Edgcomb Standard  Bearer 

Floyd  Marsh  De  Lapp Sword  Bearer 

James  Chester   Manning    W  arder 

John  Harold  Edgcomb Warder  Pro  Tern. 


JOS.  H.  PEARSON, 
E.  C.  1916-17. 


ROBERT  L.  SMITH, 
Recorder  1901  to  date. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  369 

Joseph  Adams  Wilson Sentinel 

William  Lee  Roy  Milligan Historian 

The  above  officers  were  duly  installed  into  their  re- 
spective stations  June  22,  1916,  by  Henry  L,  Arnold,  as- 
sisted by  P.  J.  Wendel,  as  marshal. 

Past  Commanders'  night  was  held  December  7,  1916, 
with  W.  L.  Milligan,  Past  Commander,  as  Commander, 
when  he  conferred  the  Order  of  the  Temple  on  F.  C. 
Knowles.     All  the  stations  were  filled  by  Past  Commanders. 

Created:  Leslie  Edward  Randall,  Nov.  23;  Frederick 
Stormont  Knowles.  Dec.  7;  Sidney  William  Weise,  Dec. 
14;  Walter  Burnham  Hartshorn,  Jan.  4;  Walter  Clayton 
Lindemann,  Jan.  n. 

Demitted:  E,  H.  Butterfield,  Jan.  11;  B.  A.  Roath, 
Jan.  25. 

Died:  William  R.  Maxwell,  Sept.  25,  1916;  Simon  C. 
Geiger,  Jan.  27,,  191 7;  William  Henry  Oilman,  Feb.  17, 
1917;  Albert  T.  Lardin,  March  31.  1917;  Ami  M.  Marke- 
son,  April  5,   191 7. 

On  invitation  from  the  pastor  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
church,  the  Rev.  John  F.  Vonckx,  Ottawa  Commandery, 
with  eighty-three  swords  in  line,  under  command  of  Sir 
Joseph  H.  Pearson,  Commander,  attended  Easter  service  at 
the  First  Presbyterian  church  April  8,  1917.  The  pastor 
welcomed  the  Commandery  with  a  few  well  chosen  words 
and  delivered  an  interesting  and  instructive  sermon,  which, 
together  with  the  excellent  musical  program,  was  greatly 
appreciated  and  most  favorably  commented  on  by  the  f raters 
who  availed  themselves  of  the  privilege  of  being  present. 

Ottawa  Commandery  on  Easter  Sunday  afternoon  per- 
formed the  last  sad  rites  for  their  beloved  f rater  Sir  Ami 
Manuel  Markeson. 

Thus,  on  Easter  Sunday,  we  close  the  last  chapter  of  the 


3J  I  I  I'll  E    K  N  [GHTS   TKM  I'l.AK, 

History   of  Ottawa   Commandery.      Max    the  God   of  our 
fathers  be  with  yon  and  bless  you  now  and   forever  mure. 

A  I  EMORIAM. 

When  we  had  closed  the  history  of  Ottawa  Command- 
ery June  8,  [916,  we  had  hoped  that  we  had  recorded,  prior 
to  its  publication,  the  last  of  our  fraters  to  pass  to  the  great 
beyond. 

But  death  comes  not  at  call:  justice  divine 
Mends  not  her  slowest  pace  for  prayers  or  cries. 

William  Robert  Maxwell. 

On  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  September,  1916,  while  the 
autumn  winds  were  wrestling"  with  the  russet  leaves  of  the 
forest,  and  sweeping  with  shadowy  gusts  the  fields  of  ripen- 
ing corn,  the  spirit  of  our  beloved  frater,  William  Robert 
A  lax  well,  passed  from  its  tenement  of  clay  to  realms  of 
Light  and  Life  Eternal. 

William  Robert  Maxwell  was  horn  in  Tazewell  county, 
West  Virginia,  July  12,  1865.  Moved  to  Missouri  when  a 
young  man.  where  he  resided  until  1890,  when  he  came  to 
Ottawa.  Illinois,  and  embarked  in  the  mercantile  business, 
which  he  conducted  until  his  death,  displaying  a  marked 
business  ability  and  enjoying  the  esteem  and  confidence  of 
all  who  knew  him. 

He  was  a  member  of  Humboldt  Lodge,  No.  555,  A.  F. 
&  A.  M.;  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37.  R.  A.  M.,  and  was 
knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  Knights  Tem- 
plar, March  5.  [9]  1.  and  of  him  it  can  be  truly  said  that  he 
exemplified,  in  his  daily  intercourse  with  his  fellowmen,  the 
virtues  of  a  Christian  gentleman,  and  illustrated  a  chivalrous 
devotion  to  the  precepts  of  our  magnanimous  order,  and  we 
have  no  doubt  but  that  he  was  prepared  for  the  mandate  of 
his  Creator  when  called  to  the  ( ireat  Beyond,  and,  without 
dread  or  fear,  laid  aside  his  sword  and  buckler. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COM  MANDERY.  371 

To  his  widow  and  daughters,  who  most  mourn  his  loss, 
Ottawa  Commandery  extend  its  most  sincere  sympathy  and 
condolence,  and  commend  them  to  Him  who  alone  can  af- 
ford them  comfort  and  consolation  in  their  hour  of  sorrow*. 

Sir  William  Robert  Maxwell,  knight,  hail  and  farewell! 

Simon  Conrad  Geiger. 

"The    life    given   us   byi  nature   is    short;    but    the 
memory  of  a  well-spent  life  is  eternal." 

Never  were  the  people  of  Ottawa  more  profoundly 
shocked  than  when,  on  the  morning  of  January  24,  1 9 1 7 , 
they  had  learned  of  the  sudden  death  of  Simon  Conrad 
Geiger  on  the  evening  previous,  for  less  than  twenty-four 
hours  prior  he  had  keen  on  the  streets  and  in  his  place  of 
business,  apparently  in  his  usual  robust  health  and  in  his 
jolly,  care-free  and  happy  manner  greeting  his  friends  and 
patrons.  Simon  Conrad  Geiger  was  born  in  Peru,  Illinois, 
November  11,  1876,  and  came  to  Ottawa  in  1890.  He  was 
engaged  in  the  bakerv  and  confectioner}-  business,  and  by 
his  habits  of  strict  integrity  and  conscientious  attention  to 
business  made  himself  one  of  Ottawa's  most  reliable  and 
successful  merchants.  Aside  from  his  personal  affairs  he 
took  a  most  active  interest  in  educational  work  and  was 
a  member  of  the  Board  of  Education  at  the  time  of  his  death, 
which  position  he  had  held  several  years,  always  working 
for  the  hetterment  of  the  city's  institutions  of  learning. 

Sir  Simon  Conrad  Geiger  was  a  member  of  Humboldt 
Lodge,  No.  555,  A.  F.  &  A.  M. ;  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37, 
R.  A.  M.,  and  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  No. 
10,  Knights  Templar,  January  18,  [912.  And  we  who  knew 
him  in  the  precincts  of  our  asylum  know  that  he  lived  under 
the  influences  of  a  Christian  life,  walked  in  its  light,  rested  in 
its  shadows,  and,  when  life's  work  was  done,  its  last  battle 
fought  and  won,  he  was  crowned  with  glory  and  immor- 
tality. 


372  Til  E    KNIGHTS    I  I'M  PLAR, 

To  his  widow  and  children  and  his  aged  parents,  who 
most  mourn  his  loss,  we  extend  the  most  sincere  sympathy 
and  condolence  of  Ottawa  Commandery  in  their  hour  of  sor- 
row, and  commend  them  to  the  mercies  of  Him  who  alone 
can  afford  them  comfort  and  consolation. 

God's  finger  touched  him  and  he  slept. 

Sir  Simon  Conrad  Geiger.  knight,  hail  and  farewell! 

William  Henry  Oilman. 

The  memorials  of  our  dead  are  very  many  now  upon 
the  pages  of  our  history.  Since  our  last  animal  conclave 
we  have  written  the  memorials  of  two  of  our  beloved  fraters 
into  the  pages  of  the  history  of  Ottawa  Commandery  and 
now  we  must  add  that  of  the  third,  our  beloved  frater,  Wil- 
liam Henry  Gilman,  who  passed  to  his  reward  on  the  morn- 
ing of  February  17,  19 17. 

Sir  William  Henry  Gilman  was  born  at  Troy  Grove,  Illi- 
nois. May  10,  1849.  Was  raised  in  Occidental  Lodge,  No. 
40,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  April  11.  [881,  exalted  in  Shabbona 
Chapter.  No.  37.  K.  A.  M.,  July  6,  1881,  passed  the  circle  of 
perfection  in  Shabbona  Chapter  when  the  degrees  were  un- 
der the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  R.  A.  M.,  in  [881, 
and  became  charter  member  of  Oriental  Council.  R.  &  S.  M., 
when  organized  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Coun- 
cil, R.  &  S.  M.,  of  Illinois.  He  was  created  a  Knights  Tem- 
plar and  Knight  of  Malta  of  the  Order  of  St.  John  of 
Jerusalem  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  Xo.  10,  K.  T..  Novem- 
ber 23.  18S1.  And  in  all  these  years  he  has  maintained  an 
unbroken  affiliation  in  all  these  bodies.  It  was  then  that 
we  were  brought  into  intimate  relationship  with  each  other, 
and  never  once  has  our  affection  for  each  other  been  im- 
paired. We  knew  him  in  the  pride  and  glory  oi  his  vigor- 
ous and  athletic  manhood,  and  after  an  unbroken  friend- 
ship for  nearly   forty  years  his  death  comes  to  us  difficult 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA   COMMANDERY.  3/$ 

to  realize  and  seems  to  herald  the  moment  when  all  of  our 
old-time  friends  and  fraters  shall  have  passed  to  the  better 
life,  and  we,  too,  soon  shall  he  called  to  that  peaceful  repose 
earned  by  the  toils  and  cares  of  this  world. 

"Billy"  Oilman  was  faithful  and  true  to  his  friends  and 
was  staunch  and  loyal  to  Free  Masonry.  The  hand  now 
palsied  by  death  was  never  withdrawn  from  one  in  distress 
or  want,  charity  and  sympathy  pulsated  through  his  whole 
make-up  with  every  throb  of  his  big,  noble  heart,  while  his 
big  bright  eyes  beamed  with  beacon  lights  of  love. 

The  last  few  months  of  his  life  were  melancholy  ones  to 
us  who  knew  him  in  the  prime  of  his  manhood.  Like  a 
great  oak  stricken  and  paralyzed  by  the  lightning,  its  leaves 
dead,  its  limbs  shattered  and  dying,  the  trunk  decayed,  he. 
dying  slowly,  lay  prostrate  at  last  with  the  life  that  God  gave 
going  slowly  out  of  him.  and  his  suffering  ended. 

To  our  latest  day  the  memory  of  Billy  Gilman  will  be  a 
pleasant  savor  to  us,  who  knew  him  when  in  his  best  estate 
in  our  secret  and  select  chambers  in  Masonry  and  Knight- 
hood. His  presence  was  like  the  benediction  of  sunshine, 
and  his  cheery,  hearty  greeting  an  event  to  stir  the  blood  of 
a  stoic.    . 

"His  sunny  spirit  was  like  a  stream,  in  whose  depths  the 
beautiful  and  pure  alone  are  mirrored." 

But.  alas!  came  the  fateful  summons,  and  obediently  he 
laid  down  the  armor  he  had  worn  so  long  and  so  worthily. 

He  was  devoted  to  his  wife  and  daughter  and  sister, 
who  are  left  to  mourn  his  passing  and  to  whom  Ottawa 
Commandery  extends  its  sympathy  and  condolence. 

Farewell,  old  friend!  Sweet  he  thy  slumbers!  And  may 
the  autumn  winds  harp  through  the  rustling  leaves  her  soft- 
est requiem  over  you;  may  the  winter's  purest  snows  rest 
spotless  on  your  grave;  may  spring  entwine  her  brightest 
garlands  o'er  your  tomb  and  summer  gild  them  with  the 
mildest  sunshine. 


374  I'll  E    KNIGHTS   TEM  l'l.AR, 

Albert  Thom as  Lakdix. 

For  the  fourth  time  since  closing  the  History  of  Ottawa 
Commandery  are  we  called  to  chronicle  the  death  of  one  of 
our  most  illustrious  f raters.  Sir  Albert  Thomas  Lardin.  who 
passed  to  his  reward  March  31.   1917. 

Sir  Albert  Thomas  Lardin  was  horn  in  Butler  county. 
Pennsylvania,  February  _\  r863,  the  son  of  John  \V.  and 
Eliza  (Rigby)  Lardin.  lie  came  with  his  parents  to  Illi- 
nois in  [870  and  settled  in  Ophir  township.  La  Salle  county. 
His  boyhood  days  were  spent  on  the  farm.  He  acquired 
a  good  common  school  education  while  on  the  farm  and 
then  taking  a  course  at  University  of  Valparaiso.  Val- 
paraiso, Indiana,  graduated  from  that  institution  in  1884. 
after  which  he  spent  one  year  at  the  University  of  Michi- 
gan, when  he  came  to  Ottawa,  Illinois,  and  entered  the  law 
office  of  Mayo  &  Widmer  as  a  law  student  until  admitted  to 
the  bar  in   1888. 

He  was  elected  Probate  Judge  of  La  Salle  county  in 
1894.  and,  because  of  his  capability,  fairness  anil  systemat- 
ical administration  of  his  office,  has  heen  continuously  main- 
tained, each  year  being  elected  by  increased  majorities,  thus 
hearing  witness  to  the  fact  of  his  popularity  with  attorneys, 
administrators,  executors,  guardians  and  litigants  before  his 
tribunal. 

Sir  Lardin  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Ethelbert 
Morey  in  Santa  Cruz,  California.  Septemher  26,  1900.  To 
this  one.  bowed  in  grief.  Ottawa  Commandery  extends  its 
most  profound  sympathy  and  condolence. 

Sir  Albert  Thomas  Lardin  was  raised  in  Occidental 
Lodge.  No.  40.  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  April  2j,  1896:  exalted  in 
Shabbona  Chapter,  Xo.  37,  R.  A.  \l..  April  14,  1807.  and 
created  a  knight  of  the  valiant  and  magnanimous  order  of 
Knights  Templar,  Knight  of  Malta  of  the  order  of  St.  John 
of  Jerusalem,  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  May  12,  [898.    Death 


HISTORY  OK  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  375 

to  him  was  disarmed  of  its  terrors  by  a  firm  reliance  upon 
the  merits  of  that  hallowed  sacrifice  offered  by  the  blessed 
Immanuel,  in  his  passing  the  portals  of  that  Asylum  of 
Peace  beyond  the  veils  of  this  earthly  tabernacle. 

Sir  Albert  Thomas  Lardin  was  emphatically  a  great- 
hearted man,  overflowing  with  charity  and  good  will.  He 
was  the  poor  man's  friend,  the  comforter  and  helper  of  the 
suffering  and  unfortunate.  It  was  this  knightly  trait  that 
lent  such  a  personal  charm  to  his  presence  and  gave  that 
refinement  and  courtesy  and  grace  to  his  bearing  every- 
where. He  was  admired  for  his  mental  gifts  and  acquire- 
ments, but  he  was  loved  for  his  goodness. 

So  his  death  brings  a  sad  sense  of  loss,  a  pang  of  per- 
sonal bereavement,  to  all  who  knew  him.  Who  does  not 
feel  that  here  is  the  true  glory  of  manhood,  in  his  consecra- 
tion to  noble  aims,  this  fidelity  to  unselfish  ends,  this  toil- 
ing" for  human  welfare,  never  so  happy  as  when  lifting  some 
heavy  burden  from  another's  shoulders,  truly  cheered  by 
the  divine  whisper,  "Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one 
of  the  least  of  these,  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto  Me"? 

Sir  Albert  Thomas  Lardin,  knight,  hail  and  farewell ! 

Ami  Manuel  Markeson. 

The  death  damp  still  pervades  our  asylum;  we  look  and 
long  for  a  presence,  and  a  shadow  appears;  a  footfall  is 
ever  at  the  door,  but  never  enters;  we  look  up  to  greet  one 
for  whom  our  soul  yearns  as  the  embodiment  of  love,  light 
and  happiness,  but  no  one  is  there.  Sir  Knights,  it  behooves 
us  to  pause  and  reflect,  since  we  have  had  so  recently 
demonstrated  to  us  the  uncertainty  of  life  and  the  certainty 
of  death  in  this  state  of  existence. 

It  is  with  sincere  grief  that  we  are  called  to  chronicle  in 
this  volume  the  death  of  Sir  Ami  Manuel  Markeson.  who 
was  so  recently  among  us  enjoying  the  best  of  health  and 


37<  i  'I'll  E    KNIGHTS   TKM  PLAR, 

surrounded  with  everything  to  make  life  worth  living  for. 
But  he  is  gone.  The  places  thai  once  knew  him  will  know 
him  no  more  forever.  I  lis  presence  will  be  missed  in  our 
asylum,  but  how  much  more  so  by  the  fireside  of  his  happy 

home,  where  his  orphaned  daughters  will  while  away  the 
hours  of  sorrow  weeping  for  the  father  gone,  never  more 
to  return.  To  them  we  offer  the  sincere  sympathies  and  con- 
dolences of  Ottawa  Commandery. 

Sir  Markeson  was  born  in  Miller  township,  La  Salle 
county,  Illinois.  November  19.  1805.  He  moved  to  Ottawa 
two  years  ago  from  his  farm  north  of  Seneca.  He  was 
chairman  of  the  board  of  supervisors  of  Grundy  county  for 
several  years.     He  died  April  5,   [917,  after  a  short  illness. 

He  was  prominent  in  Masonic  circles,  being-  a  member 
of  Seneca  Lodge.  Xo.  532,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  Shabbona  Chap- 
ter. Xo.  37,  R.  A.  M.,  and  was  created  a  Knight  Templar, 
Knight  of  Malta  of  the  Order  of  St.  John  of  Jerusalem,  in 
Ottawa  Commandery,  Xo.  10,  K.  T..  May  6,  19 16.  Ami 
Manuel  Markeson.  knight,  hail  and  farewell! 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  2>77 


THE  BEYOND. 

It  seemeth  such  a  little  way  to  me 

Across  to  that  strange  country — beyond; 

And  yet  not  strange,  for  it  has  grown  to  be 
The  home  of  those  of  whom  I  am  so  fond. 

They  make  it  seem  familiar  and  most  dear, 
As  visiting  friends  bring  distant  regions  near. 

So  close  it  lies  when  my  sight  is  clear 
I  think  I  almost  see  the  gleaming  strand. 

I  know  I  feel  those  who  have  gone  from  here 
Come  near  enough  sometimes  to  touch  my  hand. 

I  often  think  but  for  our  veiled  eyes 

We  should  find  Heaven  round  about  us  lies. 

I  cannot  make  it  seem  a  day  to  dread, 

When  from  this  dear  earth  I  shall  journey  on 

To  that  still  dearer  country  of  the  dead. 

And  join  the  lost  ones,  so  long  dreamed  about. 

I  love  this  world,  yet  shall  I  love  to  go 

And  meet  the  friends  who  wait  for  me  I  know. 

I  never  stand  above  a  bier  and  see 

The  seal  of  death  set  on  some  well-loved  face, 

But  that  I  think  one  more  to  welcome  me. 
When  I  shall  cross  the  intervening  space 

Between  this  land  and  the  one  over  there, 

One  more  to  make  the  strange  beyond  seem  fair. 

And  so  for  me  there  is  no  sting  of  death. 
And  so  the  grave  has  lost  its  victory. 

It  is  but  crossing  with  abated  breath 
And  white  set  face  a  little  strip  of  sea, 

To  find  the  loved  ones  waiting  on  the  other  shore, 
More  beautiful,  more  precious  than  before. 


378 


Til  E    KNIGHTS   TKM  I'l.Ak. 


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?80  'I'll  E    KNIGHTS    I  l-.M  PL  \U, 


[F  WE  ONLY  UNDERSTOOD. 

If  we  knew  the  cares  and  trials, 

Knew  the  efforts  all  in  vain, 
And  the  bitter  disappointment, 

Understood  the  loss  and  gain — 
Would  the  grim,  eternal  roughness 

Seem — 1  wonder — just  the  same? 
Should  we  help  where  now  we  hinder? 

Should  we  pity  where  we  blame? 

Ah!   we  judge  each  other  harshly. 

Knowing   not   life's   hidden   force- 
Knowing  not  the  fount  of  action 

Is  less  turbid  at  its  source! 
Seeing  not  amid  the  evil 

All  the  golden  grains  of  good; 
And  we'd  love  each  other  better 

If  we  only  understood. 

Could  we  judge  all  deeds  by  motives 

That  surround  each  other's  lives, 
See  the  naked  heart  and  spirit, 

Know  what  spur  the  action  gives — 
Often  we  would  find  it  better 

Just  to  judge  all  actions  good; 
We  should  love  each  other  better 

If  we  only  understood. 

— Rudyard  Kipling. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY. 


DAUGHTER  COMMANDERIES. 

Temple  Commandery,  No.  20,  Princeton,  111.,  was 
chartered  October  23,  [866.  Among  its  charter  members 
were  Joseph  Mercer,  Philo  Hamlin  Zeigier,  Jefferson  Har- 
rison Fawcett,  George  Crossley  and  William  1.  Moore,  who 
were  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery  and  demitted  for  the 
purpose  of  becoming  charter  members  of  Temple  Command- 
ery. This  is  one  of  the  staunchest  Commanderies  in  Illi- 
nois. In  1915  their  returns  to  the  Grand  Commandery 
showed  a  membership  of  150,  with  an  average  of  88  points 
in  standing  on  inspection. 

St.  John's  Commandery,  No.  26,  Pern,  111.,  was  char- 
tered October  22,  1867.  Among  its  charter  members  were 
John  Brevoort,  Ira  B.  N.  Bross,  David  A.  Cook,  Jonathan 
Duff,  Henry  D.  Brown,  P.  J.  Davis,  George  Emerson, 
Reuben  Evarts,  C.  A.  T.  E.  Holmes  and  George  W.  Lin- 
inger,  who  were  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery  and  de- 
mitted for  the  purpose  of  becoming  charter  members  of  St: 
John's  Commandery. 

Fraternal  courtesies  have  been  the  distinguishing  char- 
acteristics between  Ottawa  Commandery  and  St.  John's 
Commander}*  ever  since  its  organization.  For  genuine  hos- 
pitality they  are  unexcelled.  According  to  report  to  the 
Grand  Commander}-  in  1915  they  had  a  membership  of 
1  15,  and  had  an  average  of  90  points  in  standing  on  inspec- 
tion. 

Bethany  Commandery,  No.  2i>,  Mendota,  111.,  was 
chartered  October  27,  1868.  George  Emerson,  David  A. 
Cook,  Casper  Ruedy,  J.  M.  Liscom,  P.  S.  Davis,  C.  B.  Gould 
and  W.  V.  Bromfield  demitted  from  St.  John's  Command- 
ery for  the  purpose  of  becoming  charter  members  of  Bethany 


3©2  I  II  E     KNK.II  IS    ThM  I'l.AU, 

Commandery.  The  first  four  of  whom  were  knighted  in  Ot- 
tawa Commandery  and  demitted  to  organize  St.  John's 
( Commandery  at   I Vru,  111. 

Bethany  Commandery,  according  t<>  report  to  Grand 
Commandery  in  1015.  had  a  membership  of  95  and  an  aver- 
age of  90  •points  in  standing  on  inspection.  Bethany  is  a 
royal  entertainer. 

Streator  Commandery,  No.  70,  Streator,  111.,  was 
chartered  October  -'4,  [905,  Since  Streator  Commandery 
drew  from  Ottawa  Commandery  fifty-eight  as  valiant  and 
magnanimous  knights  as  ever  wielded  a  sword  or  knelt 
around  our  sacred  altar  we,  with  just  pride,  look  upon  this 
Commandery  as  the  child  of  Ottawa  Commander}-. 

Those  who  demitted  from  Ottawa  Commandery  for  the 
purpose  of  becoming  charter  members  of  Streator  Com- 
mandery were  J.  T.  Applegate,  J.  C.  Ames,  L.  L.  Bennion, 

B.  L.  Bonar,  C.  C.  Brooker,  E.  II.  Bailey,  O.  H.  Bourne, 
S.  A.  Blanchard,  W.  H.  Boys,  Thos.  Bawden,  J.  A.  Curry. 
W.  S.  Cherry.  L.  R.  Colley,  P.  R.  Chubbuck,  B.  F.  Cole- 
houer.  J.  M.  Davidson,  A.  J.  Daugherty,  I.  F.  Echard,  W. 

C.  Flick,  J.  W.  Fornof,  L.  L.  Craves,  O.  Griggs,  O.  H. 
Howe,  L.  I).  Howe,  R.  J.  Howells,  D.  E,  Huggans,  Hugh 
Hall,  M.  W.  Jack.  W.  It.  Jennings,  \Y.  B.  Jones,  Joseph 
Kopf,  R.  W.  Law.  M.  J.  Luther.  L.  O.  Lorenz,  S.  McFee 
ley.  F.  L.  Mills,  11.  L.  Manly.  J.  C.  Pirkey,  M.  C.  Pirkey, 
C.  II.  Rathbun,  C.  T.  Ryan.  W.  L.  Ross.  Walter  Reeves, 
R.  S.  Scharfenberg,  S.  Smith,  W.  L.  Smith.  A.  R.  Van 
Skiver,  C.  R.  Schurman,  J.  X.  Shinn,  James  Sexton.  T. 
II.  Silencer.  C.  II.  Williams,  \Y.  J.  Williams  and  J.  R.  Wil- 
liams. Harry  M.  Taggart  and  John  M.  Stewart  afterward 
demitted  from  Ottawa  Commandery  and  affiliated  with 
Streator  Commandery. 

Ottawa    Commandery    was   proud   of  this  company   oi 


II  IS  Kim    OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  383 

men,  and  it  was  a  pleasure  to  have  the  honor  to  recommend 
their  petition  for  a  new  Commandery  at  Streator,  notwith- 
standing the  numerical  loss  to  Ottawa  Commandery,  for 
Ottawa  Commandery  well  knew  that  with  their  character- 
istics so  well  fitted  to  add  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  Templar 
Masonry  in  Illinois  that  Streator  Commandery  would  soon 
attain  an  eminence  of  high  standing  in  the  councils  of  the 
Grand  Commandery  of  Illinois,  which  has  been  verified  in 
the  preferment  of  one  of  its  youngest  Commanders,  Em.  Sir 
William  Henry  Jennings,  as  Grand  Warder  of  the  Grand 
Commandery  at  the  annual  conclave  in  19 14.  The  returns 
to  the  Grand  Commandery  for  191 5  show  Streator  Com- 
mandery with  a  membership  of  T23  and  with  an  average  of 
96  points  on  inspection,  which  is  certainly  a  wonderful 
record  for  so  young  a  Commandery,  notwithstanding  nearly 
sixty  of  her  membership  had  their  early  training  in  Ottawa 
Commandery,  No.   10. 

For  hospitality  and  knightly  courtesies  Streator  Com- 
mandery is  unexcelled  and  has  hut  few  equals.  These  ex- 
changes are  quite  frequent  between  the  "child"  and  its 
"mother"  and  are  greatly  enjoyed  by  the  entire  family. 

La  Salle  county  is  the  only  county  in  the  state  of  Illinois 
in  which  there  are  located  more  than  two  Commanderies, 
except  Cook  and  Champaign,  and  Champaign  has  but  two 
Commanderies.  La  Salle  county  has  four  Commanderies, 
namely,  Ottawa,  No.  10,  Ottawa;  St.  John's,  No.  26,  Peru; 
Bethany,  No.  28,  Mendota,  and  Streator,  No.  70,  Streator, 
with  a  total  membership  per  returns  to  the  Grand  Com- 
mandery in   [915  of  five  hundred  and  seventy-four 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  385 

MEMBERSHIP  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY 

No.  10  K.  T., 

From  Organization,  February  1,   [861,  A.  O.  743. 

to  February  1,   1917,  A.  O.  799. 

A  glorious  company,  the  flower  of  men, 

To  serve  as  model  for  the  mighty  world, 

And  be  the  fair  beginning  of  a  time. 

I  made  them  lay  their  hands  in  mine  and  swear 

To  reverence — their  conscience  as  their  king, 

To  break  the  heathen  and  uphold  the  Christ, 

To  ride  abroad  redressing  human  wrongs, 

To  speak  no  slander,  no,  nor  listen  to  it, 

To  lead  sweet  lives  in  purest  chastity; 

Not  only  to  keep  down  the  base  in  man. 

But  teach  high  thoughts  and  amiable  words, 

And  courtliness,  and  the  desire  of  fame, 

And  love  the  truth,  and  all  that  makes  a  man. 

Charter  Members. 

Gray,  Oliver  Cromwell.  Brilliant  lawyer  and  poet; 
member  law  firm  Gray,  Avery  &  Bnshnell ; 
created  in  Pittsburg  Commandery,  No.  i, 
Pittsburg,  Pa.;  Eminent  Commander  Otta- 
wa Commandery  under  dispensation;  de- 
mitted  February  2,  1869. 

Wallace,  William  Heryy  Lam  me.  Son  of  John  Wal- 
lace, of  Deer  Park ;  lawyer ;  State's  Attorney 
1852-57;  served  in  Mexican  war;  Colonel 
Eleventh  Illinois  Infantry,  and  promoted 
Brigadier  General  at  Pittsburg  Landing, 
where  he  was  killed  in  battle  April  10.  1862; 
was  created  in  Blaney  Commandery,  Xo.  5, 
K.  T.,  Morris,  111.,  in  1858;  charter  member 
and  first  Captain  General  of  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, U.  D. 


38I I  ill  E    In  NIGHTS    TI'.M  PLARj 

PECKHAMj  John  B.  Musician;  Utica,  111.;  created  in 
Blaney  Commandery,  No.  5.  K.  T.,  Morris, 
111.,  t86o;  charier  member  ( )ttawa  Command- 
ery, No.  10.  EC.  I  '.,  t86]  ;  Commander  [863; 
Grand  Sword  Bearer  Grand  Commandery 
[864;  demitted  December  9,   [875. 

RhoadSj  James.  Farmer,  residing  in  Dayton  township; 
created  in  Pittsburg  Commandery,  No.  1, 
Pittsburg,  Pa.;  Commander  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery [862,  and  held  a  continuous  mem- 
bership from  charter  member  to  date  of  death. 
April  iS,  [goo;  retired  from  farm  several 
years  prior  to  his  death  and  was  one  of  Ot- 
tawa's most  respected  citizens:  a  sturdy  yeo- 
man of  the  1 ild  school. 

Stone.  Daniel  C.     Ottawa;  physician  of  high  standing; 

charter  member  and  Warder  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, I*.  D.,  [86]  :  demitted  April  7, 
[868. 

Walker,  David.  Came  to  Ottawa  with  his  father.  Dr. 
David  Walker,  [826;  druggist:  served  as 
mayor  of  Ottawa,  and  was  member  of  hoard 
of  education  several  years;  was  a  prominent 
and  progressive  citizen;  charter  member  Ot- 
tawa Commandery ;  Generalissimo  [861,  [862 
and  [872;  demitted  May  1,  [866;  reaffiliated 
February  9,  1K71  :  demitted  February  8,  [877. 

Whitman,  Qtjincy  1).  Ottawa;  revenue  collector ;  created 
in  Blaney  Commandery.  No.  5,  k.  T.,  Mor- 
ris, 111..  [860;  charter  member  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery; Sword  Bearer  [868;  demitted  May 
9,   [872. 

McMillan.    William    B.        Ottawa;   merchant:    charter 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  387 

member  Ottawa  Commandery;  stricken  from 
the  roll  in  [862. 

Goodsell,  Rier  X.  Ottawa;  grain  merchant;  created  in 
Blaney  Commandery,  No.  5,  Morris,  111., 
[860;  charter  member  Ottawa  Commandery; 
Generalissimo  [863;  Grand  Sword  Bearer 
Grand  Commandery  [863;  demitted  Dec.  6, 
[864. 

Miner,  Samuel  C.  Ottawa;  grain  merchant;  created  in 
Blaney  Commandery,  No.  5,  Morris,  111., 
[860;  charter  member  Ottawa  Commandery 
and  Warder  [86]  :  Standard  Bearer  [862  and 
[863;  Captain  General  [864;  demitted  Aug. 
7,  [866. 

Crane,  Charles  S.  C.  Ottawa;  detective  agency;  created 
in  Blaney  Commandery,  No.  5,  Morris,  111., 
i860;  charter  member  Ottawa  Commandery 
and  Captain  of  the  Guard  [86]  and  [862; 
Sword  Bearer  [865  ;  demitted  April  26,  1877. 

Ashton,  Daniel  H.  Ottawa;  merchant  tailor ;  created  in 
Blaney  Commander)-,  No.  5,  Morris,  111., 
i860;  charter  member  Ottawa  Command- 
ery and  Standard  Bearer  1861  ;    S.   1867. 

Created  and  Affiliated  in  Ottawa  Commandery 
Since  Organization. 
Gibson,  William  L.  Ottawa;  furniture,  drugs,  grain; 
created  March  7,  [861;  Generalissimo  1867; 
Commander  [868;  demitted  Feb.  m.  [880; 
affiliated  with  Eldorado  Commandery,  No. 
19,  Eldorado,  Kan.:  elected  honorary  mem- 
ber Ottawa  Commandery  March  22,  [888; 
is  buried  in  Ottawa  Avenue  cemetery. 


388  THE    KNIGHTS    I' I'M  I' I. AK, 

WadEj  Thomas  Jefferson.  Ottawa;  proprietor  old  Man- 
sion Mouse  that  stood  on  corner  of  Main  and 
Court  streets;  created  March  7,  [86]  :  Com- 
mander [864  and  [866;  Prelate  [865;  de- 
mitted  Dee.  14,  1876;  was  active  in  Masonic 
circles,  especially  in  the  symbolic  branch. 

Xasii.  John  Fisk.  Ottawa;  came  to  Ottawa  in  1847; 
admitted  to  bar  in  [849;  Clerk  Circuit  Court 
and  Recorder  1855  to  1861,  inclusive;  Clerk 
State  Senate  1861  and  1865,  inclusive;  cash- 
ier First  National  Bank  thirty-five  years ; 
created  March  8,  1861  ;  Senior  Warden  1862- 
63,  and  Junior  Warden  1868;  Commander 
1869-76,  inclusive;  Grand  Commander  Grand 
Commandery  Illinois  1878;  died  July  6, 
1913;   buried  with  Templar  honors. 

Mason,  Levi.  Ottawa;  superintendent  Gas  Co.;  created 
March  8.  1861 ;  Recorder  1862;  Standard 
Bearer  1865;  demitted  June  6,  1865,  and 
moved  to  Titusville,  Pa.,  where  he  affiliated 
with  Commandery;  was  prominent  business 
man. 

Gibson,  Theodore  Cunningham.  Furniture  dealer  and 
manufacturer  of  farm  machinery  in  early  clays 
of  Ottawa:  elected  member  Illinois  Legisla- 
ture [862;  served  as  County  Agent  several 
years,  and  in  the  insurance  business;  created 
March  8,  [861 ;  Captain  General  1803;  Gen- 
eralissimo 1864;  Standard  Bearer  [866; 
Warder  1807,  1874  and  [890;  Sword  Bearer 
1880;  Captain  General  1883.  1893  and  [894; 
Commander  1884  and  1885;  Treasurer  [896 
to    191  r,   inclusive;    died     Sept.     jt,.     t 9 i  i  : 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  389 

buried  with  Templar  Ik  mors;  served  his 
country  in  the  war  with  Mexico  and  the  civil 
war. 

Lininger,  George  W.  Peru,  111.;  created  July  23,  1861 ; 
Warder  1862;  Prelate  [866;  Commander 
\^C)y:  demitted  Oct.  22,  1867,  as  charter 
member  St.  John's  Commandery,  No.  26, 
Peru,  111.;  moved  to  Nebraska  and  became 
prominent  in  Masonic  circles. 

Walker,  Samuel  C.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  son  of  George  E. 
Walker,  first  Sheriff"  of  La  Salle  county; 
created  Aug.  6,  1861  ;  Treasurer  1862  and 
1868,  inclusive;  died  Oct.  24,  1869;  buried 
with  Templar  honors. 

Lamb,  John  F.  Farmer,  Rutland  township,  on  Chicago 
road;  created  Aug.  13.  1861  ;  Sword  Bearer 
1862;  Warder  1863  and  1864;  Generalis- 
simo 1865  and  1866;  Senior  Warden  1867: 
demitted  Nov.  9,  1871  ;    moved  to  Kansas. 

Avery,  Julius  C.  Ottawa  :  lawyer  ;  ex-mayor  Ottawa  : 
member  law  firm  Gray,  Avery  &  Bushnell ; 
one  of  the  legal  lights  of  the  La  Salle  county 
bar;  candidate  for  Congress  on  Democratic 
ticket  1870;  created  Aug.  7,  1861 ;  Junior 
Warden  1862;  died  Nov.  22,  1870:  buried 
with  Masonic  honors. 

Clark,  Hexrv  F.  Ottawa;  member  firm  Colwell,  Clark 
&  Stebbins,  contractors  and  builders;  created 
Dec.  10,  1861  ;  Junior  Warden  1864;  Senior 
Warden,  [865  and  [866;  Generalissimo  t868 
and  1869;    demitted  Dec.  14,  1876. 

Brown,  Henry  D.  Ottawa:  created  Dec.  10,  1861 ;  Pre- 
late 1863;   demitted  Nov.  5,  1867. 


390  'I'll  E    K  NIGHTS    TKM  I'l.AU. 

Rice,  [ohn  Brooks.  Lawyer:  ex-mayor  Ottawa ;  created 
Dec.  10.  [86]  :  Standard  Bearer  [864;  Ward- 
er 1866;  died  Feb.  24,  [896;  was  a  ripe 
scholar  and  one  of  the  brightest  legal  lights 
that  ever  practiced  before  the  La  Salle  coun- 
ty bar:   buried  with  Masonic  honors. 

Perrin,  C.  C.  Utica,  111.:  merchant:  created  Dec.  20, 
[86]  :  Sword  Hearer  [863;  S.  March  4.  1S7S. 

Colwell,  John.  Ottawa:  contractor;  member  firm  Col- 
well,  Clark  &  Stebbins;  created  Feb.  4.  1862; 
Junior  Warden  [863,  [865  and  [866;  Stand- 
ard Bearer  [867;    S.  Aug.  21,  1877. 

Hatheway,  Elias  Cushman.  Groceries;  nursery:  dep- 
uty Sheriff  [883  to  [886,  inclusive;  created 
March  4.  [862;  Junior  Warden  [878  to  1882, 
inclusive;   demitted  Sept.  8,  1887. 

Cleveland,  Festus  R.  Ottawa:  minister:  created  April 
1.   1862:    demitted  Dec.   1.  1863. 

Stout,  [ohn.  Ottawa:  merchant:  insurance:  created 
June  3.  1862;  Recorder  [803,  1869  and  1897 
in  part :  Treasurer  187c);  died  Oct.  21 ,  [913; 
buried  with  Templar  Ik  mors. 

Lixin.i'.Y,  Philo.  Ottawa:  Circuit  Clerk ;  Quartermaster 
53d  111.  during  civil  war:  created  Oct.  4. 
[862;  killed  at  Altoona,  Ga.,  June  24,  [864; 
buried  with    Masonic  honors. 

Burgess,  George  John.  Ottawa;  machinist  and  plumber: 
created  March  7.  [863;  Captain  of  the  Guard 
[864;  Commander  18(15:  Prelate  181)7.  [868, 
[869  and  [872  to  [880,  inclusive;  Generalis- 
simo 1870  and  1871:   demitted  Jan.  1  2,  1SS2. 

Km  11.  GuSTAVUS.  Ottawa;  druggist:  created  March  24. 
[863;   demitted  March  8.  [866. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  39 1 

Stebbtns,  George  S.  Ottawa;  County  Treasurer  1861 
and  1862,  inclusive;  created  March  24,  1863; 
Sword  Bearer  [864;  Captain  General,  [865, 
1866  and  1867;  died  Nov.  29,  [867;  buried 
with  Templar  honors. 

Williams,  William  H.  Ottawa;  English  capitalist:  re- 
sided in  E.  Ottawa;  created  June  16,  1863; 
demitted  May  3,  1864;  returned  to  England 
where  lie  soon  after  died. 

Clark,  Thomas  H.  Ottawa;  principal  third  ward  school; 
our  old  teacher;  created  June  23,  [863;  Re- 
corder 1864  to  1870,  inclusive;  demitted  Jan. 
13,  1876;  moved  to  Aurora,  where  he  ac- 
cepted a  position  in  the  public  schools. 

Bross,  Ira  B.  N.  Peru.  111.:  created  Sept.  18,  [863;  Jun- 
ior Warden  1867;  demitted  Oct.  22,  1867, 
and  afhiiated  with  St.  John's  Commandery, 
No.  26,  Peru,  111.,  as  charter  member. 

Wade,  Edward  M.  English  capitalist;  resided  on  north- 
west bluff  on  Townsend  farm;  created  Sept. 
[8,  [863;  demitted  Sept.  14,  187O,  and  re- 
turned to  England. 

Ciieever.  Silas  W.  Ottawa;  merchant  on  Main  street; 
created  Nov.  2- .  1863;  demitted  Jan.  2~j , 
1884;  was  prominent  citizen  and  pillar  in  the 
Methodist  church. 

Stover,  Seymour.  Ottawa;  minister;  affiliated  Dec.  1, 
1863.  bv  demit  from  Blaney  Commandery, 
Xo.  5,  Morris,  111.;  Grand  Prelate  Grand 
Commandery  of  Illinois  1863  to  1807,  inclu- 
sive; Prelate  Ottawa  Commandery  [864;  de- 
mitted Jan.  13,  1S70. 

PvAWSON,  De  Witt  S.      Peru,  ill.;   created  April  23,  1864; 


3<)-'  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

demitted  Oct.   22,    [867,  as  charter  member 
St.  John's  Commandery,  Peru. 

Palmer,  William.  Ottawa;  wagon  manufacturer ;  creat- 
ed April  23,  [864;  Captain  of  the  Guard  1865 
and  1866;  demitted  Feb.  8,  1877  ;  had  wagon 
factory  on  corner  Columbus  street,  opposite 
Baptist  church. 

Bowman,  William  E.  Ottawa;  photographer;  member 
city  council  in  earl_\-  days;  postmaster  1882  to 
1886;  created  May  [3,  [864;  Warder  [865; 
Sword  Hearer  [866  and  1867:  Captain  Gen- 
eral 1868;  Standard  Bearer  1869  and  1870: 
demitted  Nov.  12,  1903.  by  non-affiliation  in 
blue  lodge. 

Maoill,  Mathew.  Peru.  111.;  affiliated  April  5,  [864;  de- 
mitted May  1 .  [866. 

Duff,  Jonathan.  Peru.  111.;  created  July  5.  [864;  de- 
mitted March  3,  [868. 

Ransom,  Thomas  E.  G.  Peru,  111.  ;  promoted  Colonel  t  ith 
Illinois  during  civil  war  on  advancement  of 
Wallace  to  Brigadier  General. ;  created  July 
23,  1804;  died  near  Rome,  (ia.,  Oct.  29,  1864; 
his  portrait  hangs  in  the  reception  room  of 
Ottawa  Commandery  along  side  of  that  of 
Gen.   Wallace;    buried  with  Masonic  honors. 

Ramsey,  John  L.  Peru,  111.:  created  Dec.  7.  [865;  de- 
mitted Dec.  4.  1800. 

Pi-.ll.  William  E.  Ottawa:  bridge  builder  and  contrac- 
tor; created  March  6,  [866;  E.  Nov.  14, 
1871. 

Chapman,  Frank  B.  Ottawa;  express  agent:  created 
March  [3,  i860;  demitted  Dec.  14.  1871. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  393 

Zeigler,  Philo  H.  Princeton, 111. ;  created  April  io,  1866: 
demitted  same  date  as  charter  member  Temple 
Commandery,  No.  20,  Princeton,  111. 

Fawcett,  Jefferson  H.  Princeton,  111.;  created  April  10, 
1866,  and  demitted  same  date  to  become  char- 
ter member  of  Temple  Commandery,  No.  20, 
Princeton,  111. 

Mercer,  Joseph.  Princeton,  111.;  created  April  10,  1866, 
and  demitted  same  date  to  become  charter 
member  of  Temple  Commandery,  No.  20, 
Princeton.  111. 

Moore,  William  I.  Princeton,  111.;  created  April  10, 
1866,  and  demitted  same  date  to  become  char- 
ter member  of  Temple  Commandery,  No.  20, 
Princeton,  111. 

Crossley.  George  W.  Princeton,  111. ;  created  April  20, 
1866,  and  demitted  same  date  to  become  char- 
ter member  of  Temple  Commandery,  No.  20, 
Princeton,  111. 

Gondolf,  Joseph.  Ottawa;  harness  manufacturer;  creat- 
ed May  t.  1866;  Captain  of  the  Guard  1867 
and  1868;   S.  Sept.  9,  1875. 

BusHNELL,  Washington.  Lawyer;  member  linn  Gray, 
Avery  &  Bushnell;  State  Senator  i860  to 
1864,  inclusive;  city  attorney  three  years  and 
State's  Attorney  four  years  and  elected  At- 
torney General  of  Illinois  1868;  created  July 
24,  1866;  died  June  30,  1885;  buried  with 
Masonic  honors. 

Hou gh tali ng,  Charles.     Ottawa;  Captain  Houghtaling's 

battery   during  civil   war ;    created  July   24, 
1866;   demitted  March  5,  1867. 


394  Til  E    KNIGHTS   TEM  PLAR, 

Holmes,  Conrad  A.  T.  K.  Mendota,  111.;  created  Jan.  22, 
[867;    demitted  Oct.  22,    [867,    to    become 

charter  member  St.  John's  CommandeFy,  No. 
26,  Peru,  111.;  was  afterward  charter  member 
Bethany  Commandery,  No.  28,  Mendota,  111. 

Ri'kdv,  Casper.  Mendota.  111.;  created  Jan.  22,  [867;  de- 
mitted Oct.  22,  [867,  to  become  charter  mem- 
ber of  St.  John's  Commandery,  No.  Jo,  Peru, 
111.;  was  afterward  charter  member  Bethany 
Commandery.  No.  28,  Mendota,  111. 

Stannard,  George  F.  Mendota,  111.:  created  Jan.  22, 
[867;  demitted  Oct.  22,  1807.  to  become 
charter  member  St.  John's  Commandery,  No. 
26,  Peru,  111.;  was  afterward  charter  mem- 
ber Bethany  Commandery,  No.  28,  Mendota, 
111. 

Emerson,  George.  Mendota,  111.;  created  Jan.  22,  1S07: 
demitted  Oct.  22,  [867,  to  become  charter 
member  St.  John's  Commandery,  No.  26, 
Pern,  111.;  was  afterward  charter  member  of 
Bethany  Commandery,  No.  28,  Mendota,  111. 

Liscom,  Jason  M.  Mendota,  111.;  created  Feb.  5.  [867;  de- 
mitted Oct.  22,  1867,  to  become  charter  mem- 
ber of  St.  John's  Commandery,  Xo.  _>o,  Peru. 
111.;  was  afterward  charter  member  ^\  Beth- 
am-  Commandery,  Xo.  28,  Mendota.  111. 

Cook,  David  Ajlpheus.  Mendota,  111.;  moved  to  Ottawa 
in  the  early  seventies;  lawyer  and  bank  ex- 
aminer for  lil teen  years  prior  to  his  death: 
created  Feb.  5,  [867,  to  become  charter  mem- 
ber St.  John's  Commandery,  Xo.  26,  Pern. 
111.;  was  afterward  charter  member  Bethany 
Commandery,  Xo.  28,  Mendota,  111.,  of  which 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  395 

Commander}-  he  was  Captain  General  1868. 
1869  and  1870;  he  was  also  Captain  General 
of  St.  John's  Commandery,  No.  26,  Pern, 
111.,  U.  D. ;  on  moving  to  Ottawa,  111.,  in 
[876,  he  demitted  from  Bethany  Command- 
cry,  No.  28.  Mendota,  111.,  and  affiliated  with 
Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  March  9, 
1877;  Warder  Ottawa  Commandery  1878; 
died  Sept.  21,  1905:  was  one  of  Ottawa's 
most  respected  and  honored  citizens. 

Davis,  Preston  J.  Mendota,  111.;  created  Feb.  5,  1867; 
demitted  Oct.  22,  1867,  to  become  charter 
member  St.  John's  Commandery,  No.  26, 
Pern,  111.;  afterward  became  charter  member 
Bethany  Commandery,  No.  2S<,  Mendota,  111. 

Everts,  Reuben.  Pern,  111.;  created  April  2,  1867;  de- 
mitted Oct.  22,  1867,  to  become  charter  mem- 
ber of  St.  John's  Commandery,  No.  26,  Pern, 
111. 

Brevoort,  John.  Rutland.  111.;  created  April  2,  [867; 
demitted  Oct.  22,  1867,  to  become  charter 
member  o\  St.  John's  Commandery,  Xo.  _'(», 
Pern.  111. 

Norris,  George  IP  Came  to  Ottawa  in  1835;  owned 
ferry  on  Illinois  river;  County  Surveyor  ten 
years;  justice  of  the  peace;  admitted  to  the 
bar  in  [839;  established  "The  Bank  ^i  Ot- 
tawa." now  the  First  National  Bank;  helped 
build  the  Ottawa  starch  factor)-;  moved  to 
Colorado,  thence  to  Florida;  created  July  16. 
[867;   demitted  Oct.  8,  1874. 

McArthur,  Robert  McKim.  Ottawa;  physician;  creat- 
ed Feb.  13,  1868;    Junior  Warden  1869  and 


39^  Til  E    KNIGHTS   TKM  PLAR, 

[870;  Senior  Warden  [87]  to  [876,  inclu- 
sive; Generalissimo  [877  to  [879,  inclusive, 
and  1881  to  [884,  inclusive;  Commander 
[880;  died  Aug.  [2,  [886;  buried  with  Tem- 
plar honors. 

Morrison,  John  Lyall.  Ottawa;  clerk  in  general  store 
for  Win.  Reddick  several  years;  served 
through  civil  war  in  Ilenshaw's  battery; 
created  Feb.  [8,  [868;  Senior  Warden  1869 
and  [870;  Sword  Bearer  1873  to  1875.  inclu- 
sive; Generalissimo  1876;  Captain  General 
1877  and  1878;    S.  April  12,  [883. 

Ford,  Joseph.  Ottawa:  farmer;  created  March  3,  1868; 
S.  April  5.  1875. 

Stout.  Charles.  Ottawa;  dry  goods  merchant;  created 
April  28,  [868;  demitted  Aug.  10.  1871. 

Trask,  Ozell.  Ottawa;  jeweler;  created  May  5,  [868; 
demitted  Aug.   13,   1880. 

Cameron,  John  Rush.  Ottawa;  dry  goods  merchant; 
appointed  postmaster  by  President  Grant  in 
1869;  created  May  28,  1868;  Treasurer 
[869;  Generalissimo  1873.  1874  and  1875; 
moved  to  Clifton.  111.,  where  he  (.lied  May  22, 
1905  ;  remains  brought  to  Ottawa  and  buried 
with  Templar  honors. 

Herrick,  Ehward  L.  Ottawa;  Deputy  County  Clerk  sev- 
eral years;  Quartermaster  104th  111.  during 
civil  war;  created  May  28,  [868;  Warder 
[869;  Recorder  1872  to  [876,  inclusive; 
died  April  11.  [876;  buried  with  Templar 
honors. 

Charles  P.  Clark.  Episcopal  minister;  no  record  of  his 
creatine  or  affiliating  with  Ottawa  Command- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  39/ 

ery;  his  name  first  appears  among  the  list  oi 
members  in  the  proceedings  of  the  Grand 
Commandery  in  [868  and  is  also  contained  in 
the  proceedings  for  the  years  1868,  1869  and 
1870;   he  died  Dec.  26,  1870. 

Hapeman,  Douglas.  Ottawa;  created  June  id,  1868; 
Standard  Bearer  1880;  associate  editor  Free 
Trader  several  years;  proprietor  news  and 
hook  store,  now  Kneussl  Bros.;  established 
first  electric  lighting  plant  in  Ottawa;  lien- 
tenant-colonel  104th  111.  during  the  civil  war; 
was  an  upright  and  honorable  citizen ;  loved 
by  all  who  knew  him;   died  June  3,  1905. 

Batcheller,  David.  Ottawa;  clerk  for  Win.  Reddick 
several  years ;  in  Henshaw's  battery  during 
civil  war;  created  June  23,  1868;  Sword 
Bearer  [869;  Warder  1870;  Junior  Warden 
1 87 1  to  1875,  inclusive,  and  1889;  Captain 
General  1892;  Recorder,  1889  to  1891,  inclu- 
sive, and  [893  to  1896,  inclusive,  and  acted 
as  Recorder  in  j 892  when  Captain  General; 
died  Dec.  2^>,  1896,  and  buried  in  Ottawa 
A'venue  cemetery  with  Templar  honors. 

Fiske,  Francis  Lyman.  Ottawa;  clothing,  firm  Fiske 
&  Beem ;  created  Aug.  18,  1868;  Standard 
Bearer  1871,  1872  and  1879;  died  July  2^, 
19 10. 

Smith,  Edward  Henry.  Ottawa;  cigar  manufacturer, 
firm  Smith  &  Rising  in  the  70's  ;  created  Aug. 
18,  1868;  Captain  General  [869  to  1876,  in- 
clusive, and  1 88 1  to  1890,  inclusive;  Com- 
mander 1877  to  1879,  inclusive,  and  [882 
and  1883;  died  Jan.  3,  [914;  buried  with 
Masonic  honors. 


398 


III  E    KNIGH  TS   TEM  PLAR. 


Barber,  Ebenezer.  Marseilles;  bridge  contractor  and 
builder ;  created  Jan.  [9,  [869;  died  Aug. 
30,  1912;  buried  with  Masonic  honors. 

CoaNj  Edwin.  Ottawa;  minister;  created  Feb.  _\  [869; 
demitted  Aug.  1 2,  [869. 

Harris,  Justus.  Ottawa;  city  marshal  several  years; 
created  Feb.  [6,  [869;  Captain  of  the  Guard 
[872  to  [876,  inclusive,  and  [884;  died  Nov. 
27,  [888;   buried  with  Templar  honors. 

McCaleb,  Hubert  A.  Ottawa;  Sheriff  [867  and  [868; 
County  Oerk  [873  to  [877,  inclusive;  colonel 
of  a  colored  regiment  during  the  civil  war; 
created  Feb.  23,  [869;  Sword  Bearer  1871 
and  j^/j;    demitted  March   14,   [878. 

DeWolFj  Erastus.  Ottawa;  created  March  <j,  [869; 
E.  [871. 

Gregg,  David  Robbins.  Ottawa;  musician;  created 
March  in,  [869;  Captain  of  the  Guard  [870, 
[871,  1878,  1879,  [881,  [882,  [883,  [886, 
1887;  died  March  _>,:;,  [895;  buried  with  Ma- 
sonic honors. 

Simon,  Anthony  David.  Music 
store  and  teaeher  of  mu- 
sic ;  created  March  30, 
1869;  organist  for  the 
Commander}-  since  be- 
coming' a  member;  at  the 
present  writing  the  sen- 
ior in  membership  among 
the  living  of  ( Mtawa 
Commandery  with  a  con- 
tinuous membership  oi 
forty-eight  years.  A.  D.   SIMON. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  399 

Nichol,    John     Tilton.       Rutland     township;      farmer; 

created   June   4,    [869;     demitted     Feb.     11, 

1 880. 
Todd,  Walter.     Ottawa;   proprietor  old  City  Mills  on  La 

Salle  street;  created  June  1  _\  [869;  demitted 

Nov.  1  1 .  iSo(j. 

Colwell,  James  Neil.  Contractor,  firm  Colwell,  Clark  & 
Stebbins;  created  June  12,  1869;  Standard 
Rearer  1873;  killed  in  railroad  accident  near 
Streator,  111.,  Oct.  10,  1870;  buried  with 
Templar  honors.  In  [869,  page  [63,  the  list 
of  created  should  read  James  Neil  Colwell,  in- 
stead of  John  Colwell. 

MacKinlay,  John  Fisher.  Ottawa;  member  MacKinlay, 
Ravens  &  Co.,  bankers  during  the  70' s  ;  creat- 
ed June  15,  18(19;    demitted  March  14,   1878. 

Fstabrook,  William  W.  Ottawa;  minister;  affiliated 
Sept.  9,  [869;  Prelate  1870  and  1871;  de- 
mitted Dec.  14,  1871. 

Smith,  William  Caswell.  Ottawa;  druggist;  created 
June  15,  1869;   S.  Feb.  8,  1877. 

Poundstone,  Samuel,  Grand  Ridge;  farmer  living  in 
Farm  Ridge  township;  created  Sept.  17, 
1869. 

Brundage,  William  A.  Ottawa;  caq^enter ;  created 
Sept.  23,  1869;    S.  Aug.  12,   1880. 

LocKwooi),  Arthur.  Ottawa;  justice  of  the  peace  for 
many  years;  created  Feb.  24,  1870;  died 
Nov.  18,  1896;    buried  with  Masonic  honors. 

Catlin,  Charles  M.  Ottawa;  connected  with  window 
glass  factory  in  the  70's ;  created  March  3, 
1870;    S.  April  14,  1881. 


I  on  III  E    KNIGHTS   TK.M  I'l.AK, 

Black,  Leverett  (  ).  Streator,  111.:  locomotive  engineer 
on  ()..  ().  &  F.  R.  V.  R.  R.;  created  March 
_'4.    1870;    S.   Aug.  <>.    [883. 

Fulton,  John  C.  Streator;  machinist;  created  April  14, 
1870;   demitted  Dec.*),  1880. 

1  1  i:\xi  no,  Robert.  Ottawa;  manufacturer  telegraph  in- 
struments; created  July  1,  1870;  demitted 
Feb.   1  1 .   [880. 

CarpenteRj  Charles  M.  Seneca,  111.;  farmer  and  specu- 
lator; created  Sept.  15.  1870:  demitted  Sept. 
i  1.  1890. 

Du  Plain,  Francis  P.  Ottawa;  since  moved  to  Chicago; 
telegraph  instrument  maker;  created  Sept. 
22,  1870. 

Nash,  Henry  Clay.  Ottawa;  teller  First  National  Bank 
for  many  years;  moved  to  Chicago;  created 
Oct.  20,  1870;  Treasurer  1871  to  1887,  in- 
clusive;   S.  March  4.   1889. 

Rising,  Leman  Aranah.  Ottawa:  cigar  manufacturer, 
firm  Smith  &  Rising  in  the  70's;  created  Nov. 
3,  1870;  Warder  1872.  1876,  1877  ;  demitted 
Dec.  11,  [879;  affiliated  March  22.  1888: 
Sentinel  1901.  [902  and  1903;  demitted 
Sept.  23.  [909. 

Bohlander,  John.  Ottawa:  telegraph  instrument  maker  ; 
created  Nov.  10,  1870:  demitted  Sept.  14. 
[876. 

Tyler,  Alvan  H.  Streator,  111.;  coal  operator:  created 
Nov.  17.  1870;  demitted  Nov.  13.  1884; 
affiliated  Sept.  22,  [892;  demitted  June  14, 
1 906. 

Tyler,  ADDISON  11.  Streator.  111.;  coal  operator;  created 
Dec.   1,  1870;    demitted  Dec.  14,  1876. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  401 

Fuller,  Dwight  W.     Ottawa;    C,  B.  &  O.  ticket  agent; 

created   Dec.   22,    1870;    demitted    Sept.    14, 

1876. 
Bull,    E,    Follett.     Lawyer;    came  to  Ottawa  from  La 

Salle,  111. ;  was  an  able  attorney  ;  created  Jan. 

12,    1871;    Warder,    1873,    1874,   1875;    died 

Dec.  4.    1888;    buried  with  Templar  honors. 

Walker,  George  Lee.  Ottawa;  dry  goods  clerk;  created 
Aug.  15,  1871  ;    demitted  Feb.  n,  1880. 

Beatty,  George.  Ottawa ;  dry  goods  merchant ;  created 
Sept.   15,  1871 ;    demitted  Jan.  24,   1884. 

Tillson,  William  C.     Earlville;    created  Sept.  28,  1871  ; 

demitted  Feb.  11,  1875. 
Moore,  William  H.     Streator;  created  Feb.  1,  1872;  died 

Dec.  .  . ,  1876. 
Fusselman,  Henry  M.     Affiliated  Aug.     10,    1871  ;    de- 
mitted April  26,  1877. 
Waite,  John  Henry.     Marseilles,  111.;    created  June   13, 

1872;    demitted  June  13,  1878. 
Tillotson,    Edward  J.      Marseilles;     merchant;     created 

April  24,  1873;    demitted  Jan.  4,  1875. 
De  Motte,  John  J.     Marseilles,  111.;    physician;    created 

June  12,  1873;   died  Jan.  ..,  1881. 
Dent,  William  H.     Ottawa;   capitalist;    created  July  10, 

1873;   demitted  Jan.  11,  1877. 
Ryan,  Patrick.     Ottawa;    grain  buyer;    created  Oct.  9, 

1873;    Captain  of  the  Guard  1880  and  1881; 

died  June  13,  1881. 
Slagle,  David  H.     Marseilles,  111. ;   railway  mail  clerk  and 

later  postmaster  at  Marseilles ;    created  Nov. 

20,   1873;  died  March  8,   1907;    buried  with 

Masonic  honors. 


|t  >2  Til  E    KNIGHTS   TEM  l'l.AK, 

With  row,  Daniel  C.  Streator;  grain  dealer;  created 
Feb.  26,   1874;    demitted  Dec.  n,   [884. 

McIntire,  Arthur  Cox.  Mendota,  111.;  fanner  and  stock 
raiser;  Sheriff  La  Salic  county  [873  to  [876, 
inclusive;  created  May  11.  1874;  Standard 
Bearer  1875  and  [876;  demitted  Sept.  [3, 
[877. 

Wn.Kixs,  Charles.  Streator;  carpenter;  created  June 
11.  1S74:    S.  Nov.  _'-\  1894. 

Thomas,  William.  Ottawa;  canal  superintendent ;  creat- 
ed Feb.  1  1,  1875:  demitted  Dec.  14.  1882. 

Rath  mx.  Jam  i:s  E.  Ottawa:  grain  dealer  ;  created  Feb. 
18.  1875;   demitted  March  24,  1S7S. 

WidmeRj  John  H.  Ottawa;  lawyer  of  exceptional  abil- 
ity; Major  104th  Illinois  during  civil  war; 
created  March  4.  1875;  Sword  Bearer  [877, 
1878  and   1879;    demitted  Jan.  23,   [913. 

(  )  I  )oxxell,  James.  Ottawa;  moved  to  Joliet;  created 
March  18,  1875;    demitted  Jan.  13.  1876. 

Mayo,  Henry.  Ottawa;  lawyer  of  extraordinary  ability 
and  strong  advocate  before  a  jury;  postmas- 
ter for  several  years  prior  to  election  of 
Woodrow  Wilson;  is  now  serving  as  Judge 
of  Comity  Court;  is  a  most  remarkable 
man.  and  carries  his  eighty  years  with  a  men- 
tality and  physical  ability  apparently  unim- 
paired; an  upright  and  honorable  citizen;  a 
boon  companion  and  a  hale-fellow  well  met: 
true  to  himself  ami  loyal  to  his  friends: 
created  March  25,  1875;  Generalissimo  j8q2 
and  [896;  Commander  [893,  [894,  [895, 
and  commanded  Ottawa  Commandery  on  one 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  403 

of  its  most  pleasant  pilgrimages — to  triennial 
of  Grand  Encampment  at  Boston  in  [895. 

Hall,  William  C.  Prairie  Center  ;  farmer;  created  April 
[6,  [875;  died  Jan.  22,  [906;  buried  with 
[Masonic  honors. 

Tins,  Walter  Briggs.  Ottawa;  contractor  and  superin- 
tendent Illinois  and  Michigan  canal ;  retired; 
created  June  3,  [875;  Junior  Warden  1878; 
Senior  Warden  [877  to  [880,  inclusive;  Pre- 
late [88]  to  [885,  inclusive,  and  1892  to 
[893,  inclusive,  and  from  [896  to  1007,  inclu- 
sive, and  1 910  to  1913,  inclusive;  Com- 
mander 1889  and  1890;  after  years  of  devo- 
tion to  Templar  Masonry  he  died  June  20, 
191 5,  and  was  buried  in  Ottawa  Avenue 
cemetery  with  Templar  honors. 

( ii  i.man,  Charles  Henry.  Ottawa  :  lawyer  ;  Judge  Coun- 
ty Court  in  the  seventies;  a  man  of  marked 
personal  it  v  and  a  most  prominent  citizen  of 
La  Salle  county;  created  Nov.  24,  1875  ;  died 
April  14,  1880,  and  was  buried  with  Masonic 
honors  at  Mendota,  111. 

Haeberlin,  August.  Ottawa;  hardware;  created  Jan. 
22,  1876;   demitted  Jan.  22,  1885. 

Trimble,  Cairo  Darius.  Ottawa;  Clerk  Supreme  Court, 
Northern  Division,  of  Illinois;  manufacturer 
of  bottles;  editor  Ottawa  Journal  ;  affiliated 
Dee.  9,  1875;  Junior  Warden  1877:  Captain 
General  1879  and  1880;  Commander  [881; 
demitted  Aug-,   n,   1898. 

Exsminger,  Henry  W.  Ottawa;  affiliated  Dec.  9,  1875; 
demitted  Sept.   13,  1877. 

Campbell,  John  C.     Streator;   coal  operator  and  contrac- 


404  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

tor;  created  Feb.  14.  [876;  S.  March  14, 
[878. 

Hawley,  Charles  A.  Streator;  affiliated  April  13,  1876; 
demitted  May  25,   [882. 

Pilch  ER,  William  II.  Streator;  hardware;  created  May 
11,  [876,  and  still  holds  an  unbroken  affilia- 
tion with  Ottawa  Commandery. 

EwiNG,  Robert  G.  Streator;  painter;  created  May  18, 
j  S - f > ;    S.  Jan.   1.  1900. 

LandeSj  George  W.  Streator;  created  June  1.  1876;  de- 
mitted June  9,  1881. 

Moon,  Jacob  W.  Streator;  capitalist;  created  June  8, 
1876;  died  March  18,  1900;  buried  with  Ma- 
sonic honors. 

Stephens,  Charles  E.  Streator:  musician;  affiliated 
April   13.   1876;    demitted  May  25,    1882. 

Phillips,  Lester  O.     Ottawa;  groceries;  created  Oct.  i_\ 

1876:  S.  Jan.  10.  1907. 
Strawn,   Walter  D.     Ottawa:    a  prominent  farmer  and 
large  land  holder  in  La  Salle  and  Livingston 
counties:    a  persevering-  and  energetic  citizen; 
created  Nov.  -'3,  [876;  died  Dec.  4.  1913. 

Lewis,  Edward  Charles.  Deer  Park  township:  lawyer: 
prominent  citizen:  chairman  board  of  super- 
visors several  terms:  created  Jul}-  [9,  1877; 
demitted  Sept.  0,   1909. 

Mow  land,  K/.KkiKL.  Prairie  Center:  farmer;  created 
Nov.  2 1 .  1878;  died  Sept.  29,  1903:  buried 
with  Masonic  In  mors. 

Hoffman,  Asa  Manx.  Ottawa;  County  Treasurer: 
created  \K\\  4.  [878;  Recorder  [880 to  \^J. 
inclusive;   died  May  4,  1887;   buried  in  Otta- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  4O5 

wa  Avenue  cemetery  with  Templar  honors: 
was  genteel  and  courteous  in  all  his  actions. 

Perkins,  Lothrop.  Ottawa;  superintendent  Gas  Co.; 
member  board  of  supervisors,  city  council  and 
fire  department :  an  active  and  useful  citizen  ; 
created  April  14,  1881  ;  Senior  Warden  1882 
and  1883;  Captain  General  1884;  died  Sept. 
17,  1884,  and  buried  with  Masonic  honors 
and  Templar  escort. 

Milligan,  William  Lee  Roy.  Farmer;  Deputy  Sheriff; 
general  traveling  representative  Marseilles 
Co.,  E.  Moline,  111.,  one  of  the  John  Deere 
Plow  Co.  factories;  created  April  2X,  1881  ; 
Warder  1882;  Junior  Warden,  1883;  Senior 
Warden  1884;  Generalissimo  and  Recorder 
1888;  Commander  1886,  1887,  1891  and 
1892;  Captain  General  1894;  bears  the  dis- 
tinguished honor  of  having  presented  the  first 
American  flag  to  a  Commandery  of  Knights 
Templar. 

Arnold.  Webster  Wesley.  Ottawa :  Warden  County 
Asylum;  created  Sept.  22,  1881  :  S.  Feb.  28, 
1889. 

Mills.  George  Abram.  Ottawa;  farmer  ;  retired  ;  created 
Sept.  28,  1881  ;  Sword  Bearer  1882  and 
1883;  Junior  Warden  1884;  Captain  Gen- 
eral 1885  and  1896;  Generalissimo  1880  and 
1887;  Commander  1888;  a  zealous  Templar 
and  filled  all  his  offices  with  marked  ability; 
was  punctual  in  attendance. 

Wilbur,  George  R.  Ottawa;  C,  B.  &  Q.  station  agent; 
created  Oct.  13,  1881  ;  demitted  Dec.  24 . 
1891. 


4©6  Til  E    KNIGHTS   TEM  l'l.AK, 

( ii i.: \i  w,  William  Henry.  Ottawa;  painting  contractor ; 
son  of  Judge  Charles  II.  Gilman;  created 
Nov.  23,  [88]  ;  Standard  Bearer  [882,  1883, 
[885,  [886,  [887,  1888.  1895,  [896,  [897, 
and  Color  Bearer  [892,  and  as  such  1  tears  the 
honor  of  having  received  and  carried  the  first 
American  dag-  ever  presented  to  a  Command- 
erv  of  Knights  Templar;  died  Feb.  17,  1917; 
buried  with  Templar  honors. 

Teissedre,  Paul.  Ottawa:  dry  goods  clerk  ;  created  Dec. 
1,  1881 ;  Standard  Bearer  1884  and  1902: 
Captain  of  the  Guard  1885;  Warder  1886, 
1887  and  [896;  Captain  General  1888  and 
1891  ;  Senior  Warden  1889.  1890.  [892,  1893. 
1894  and  [895;  Sword  Bearer  1897  and 
1898;   as  an  officer  he  could  be  relied  on. 

Clegg.  John  William.  Ottawa;  plumber  and  steam- 
fitter  contractor;  created  May  30,  1882; 
Sword  Bearer  1884  and  1885;  Warder  [891; 
Junior  Warden  1911  ;  Senior  Warden  1912; 
always  punctual  in  attendance. 

MacKinlay,  Thomas  E.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  created  June 
3.  1882;  Warder  1883;  Senior  warden  [885; 
Captain  General  [886;  Treasurer  1888  to 
1895,  inclusive;  demitted  March  12.  1,896. 

Woodward,  Walter  M.  School  teacher;  created  June  8, 
[882;    S.  April  2,  r888. 

MiLLiGAN,  James.  Ottawa;  tailoring;  created  June  13, 
[882;  Captain  Genera]  1883  and  [895;  Sen- 
ior  Warden    [886;    Generalissimo    1888. 

DunawaYj  Joseph  Newton.  Ottawa;  farmer;  grain 
dealer;  created  June  28,  [882;  Generalissimo 
1898  and  1800:    Commander  1900.  1901  and 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  407 

1902;  Prelate  1908  and  1909;  died  Jan.  9, 
1909;  buried  with  Templar  honors. 

Halladay,  Corydon  Cornelius.  Ottawa;  retired  grain 
dealer;  past  Commander  St.  John's  Com- 
mandery,  Peru,  111.;  affiliated  Feb.  28,  1883; 
died  Oct.  10,  [886;  buried  with  Templar 
honors. 

Donaldson,  Garyy.  Ottawa;  photographer;  moved  to 
New  York;  affiliated  Feb.  28,  1883;  de- 
mised March   1 1.  1886. 

Stormont,  William.  Ottawa;  foundry  and  machine 
work;  created  April  14,  1883:  died  -@et. 'I2, 
1894;  buried  with  Masonic  honors;  a  true 
Templar,  an  honored  and  respected  citizen 
and  a  Christian  gentleman. 

Pettit,  Charles  E,  Member  firm  Republican-Times 
Printing  Co. ;  civil  war  veteran ;  created  April 
21,  1883;  has  served  Occidental  Lodge,  No. 
40,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  as  Secretary  twenty  con- 
secutive years. 

Morgan,  Jesse  E.  Ottawa;  dry  goods  clerk;  created 
April  26,   1883;    S.  March  2,   1896. 

Farnsworth,  Richard.  South  Ottawa;  dairy  farm;  re- 
tired; created  May  8,  [883;  Sword  Bearer 
1886;    Standard  Bearer  1898. 

Rohrer,  Celestine.  Somouauk,  111.;  farmer;  created 
Aug.  (),  1883;  died  March  3,  101O;  buried 
with  Masonic  honors. 

Rvbi'rx,  John  Stewart.  Ottawa;  physician;  created 
Aug.  23,  [883;  died  Sept.  21,  [892;  buried 
with    Templar  honors. 

Murphy,  John  J.  Sheridan.  111.;  created  Oct.  22.  18S3; 
S.  Feb.  28,  1889. 


}<>X  the  knights  templar, 

Scheidecker,  Louis.  Somonauk,  111.:  fanner:  created 
Oct.  30,  [883;  died  March  (>,  1906:  buried 
with  Masonic  honors. 

1 1 111.  Daniel  Fletcher.  Ottawa;  civil  engineer:  in 
Mexican.  Black  Hawk  and  Civil  wars;  col- 
onel 53d  111.  in  civil  war  until  incapacitated 
by  injuries:  one  of  the  early  pioneers  of  the 
Illinois  valley:  surveyed  Northern  Illinois 
and  the  Lake  Superior  regions  for  the  govern- 
ment; one  of  nature's  noblemen;  created 
Nov.  8,  1883;  demitted  Feb.  14.  [889. 

RohreRj  Louis.  Somonauk.  111.:  farmer;  member  Illi- 
nois Legislature  several  terms:  created  Dec. 
6,  1883;  died  June  28.  191 1  :  Masonic  fu- 
neral with  Commandery  escort. 

Reedy.  Thomas.  Ottawa:  Superintendent  County  Asy- 
lum; created  Dec.  8.  1883:  died  March  4, 
[889;    buried  with  Templar  honors. 

Gibson,  John  Fletcher.  Ottawa;  retired  farmer ;  creat- 
ed May  6,  1884:  died  Feb.  24,  1906;  buried 
with  Templar  honors. 

White,  Abel  M.  Sheridan,  111.  ;  minister;  created  May  8, 
1884;  demitted  Feb.  28,  1889;  is  now  promi- 
nent in  Scottish  Rite  circles  in  Chicago. 

Prichard,  William  E.     Ottawa:   importer  and  breeder  of 

draft  horses;  vice-president  Ottawa  Banking 
&  Trust  Co.;  created  May  27,  [884;  Prelate 
[886,  1SS7,  1888,  [889  and  [894. 

Stead,  William  II.  Ottawa:  lawyer:  elected  Attorney- 
General  state  oi  Illinois  two  terms;  promi- 
nent in  political  circles:  created  Nov.  13, 
[884;    demitted  Nov.  26,   11)14. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  4OQ 

Riale,  Warren  C.  Ottawa;  groceries;  created  Nov.  14, 
1884;   S.  May  19.  1902. 

Hodgson,  Martin  C.  South  Ottawa;  importer  and  breed- 
er of  draft  horses;   created  Nov.  27,  1884. 

Blanchard,  Charles.  Ottawa:  Circuit  Judge  several 
terms;  created  Jan.  22,  1885;  died  Oct.  31, 
1906;    buried  with  Templar  honors. 

Suppes,  Christian.  Northville,  111.;  farmer:  created 
Feb.  26,  1885;    demitted  Dec.  14,  1899. 

McKenxey.  Foster  H.  Ottawa;  retired  farmer ;  created 
July  16,  1885;  Captain  of  the  Guard  1893 
and  1894;    demitted  April  13,  1905. 

Hammond,  John  D.  Ottawa;  traveling  salesman  ;  creat- 
ed Sept.  3,  1885;  demitted  March  24,  1904; 
the  stained  glass  crown  and  cross  over  the 
throne  in  our  asylum  was  presented  to  Otta- 
wa Commandery  by  Sir  Hammond. 

Fullertox,  Thomas  Coxy.  Ottawa:  lawyer;  created 
Oct.  1,  1885:  acted  as  Senior  Warden  1886; 
Generalissimo  1889  and  1890;  was  candidate 
for  Congress  on  the  Republican  ticket  when 
he  died  Aug.  2,  1894;  was  prominent  in 
Grand  Army  circles. 

Watts,  William  H.  South  Ottawa ;  farmer ;  created 
Nov.  10.  1885. 

Hanna,  Alexaxder.  South  Ottawa;  retired  farmer: 
created  May  27,  1886;  Captain  of  the  Guard 
1887  to  1892,  inclusive,  and  [896  to  1903,  in- 
clusive, except  1900;  died  May  24,  [908; 
buried  with  Masonic  honors. 

Mills,  Daxiel  Charles.  Ottawa;  retired;  created  June 
3,  1886;  died  May  2,  1905:  buried  with 
Masonic  honors. 


4IO  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

P.onak.  Barnet  I-.  Streator;  physician;  created  June  3. 
[886;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905.  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Farnsworth,  John  Charles.     Ottawa;  magnetic  healer ; 

created  June  8,  [886;   Sword  Bearer  1887. 

Gay,  Simeon  (in. ford.  Ottawa;  carriage  manufacturer: 
created  June  8,  [886. 

Corcoran,  John  Charles.  Ottawa:  harness  and  sad- 
dlery store;  created  June  8,  [886;  Junior 
Warden   1890:    demitted  Jan.  25,   1908. 

RocKwooi).  Harry  Earl.  Farm  Ridge  township;  tanner 
and  stock  raiser:  created  June  8,  [886;  Jun- 
ior Warden  1888;  S.  Sept.  19,  1904;  moved 
to  near  Clarion,  Iowa. 

Dunbar,  Charles  E.  Ottawa:  farmer;  created  June  8. 
[886;  Junior  Warden  1888;  S.  Sept.  19. 
1904. 

PuRRUCKERj  John  Michael.  Ottawa;  railway  mail 
clerk:  created  June  10.  1886;  died  Oct.  25. 
1903.  in  Chicago. 

Ames,  John  C.  Streator;  hardware  and  lumber;  U.  S. 
Revenue  Collector.  Chicago;  created  June  17. 
1880 ;  demitted  Nov.  1.  1005:  charter  mem- 
ber Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Wheeler,  Willard  Stanley.  Ottawa;  photographer: 
created  June  17,  [886;  demitted  Sept.  11, 
1 890. 

Pirkey,  John  Calvin.  Streator;  insurance:  created  June 
24.  [886;  demitted  Pec.  1.  [901 ;  affiliated 
Dec.  22,  1904;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1005.  as 
charter  member  Streator  Commandery,    No. 

Cherry,     William     Sloan.      Streator;      coal     operator; 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  4II 

created  July  i,  1886;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905. 
as  charter  member  Streator  Commandery, 
No.  70. 

Lctii  er,  Milo  J.  Streator:  coal  operator  ;  created  July  1, 
[886;  demitted  Now  1,  1905,  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Bourne,  Oswin  Hallet.  Streator;  coal  operator ;  event- 
ed July  8,  1886;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as 
charter  member  Streator  Commandery.  No. 
70. 

Griggs,  Oakley.  Streator;  druggist;  created  July  8, 
1886;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Jack,  Mathew  William.  Streator;  bottle  manufacturer ; 
created  July  15,  1880;  demitted  Nov.  r,  1905, 
as  charter  member  Streator  Commandery, 
No.  70. 

Lukins,  William  Hayes.  Streator;  manufacturer  ;  creat- 
ed July  15,  1886;  died  May  18,  1900;  buried 
with  Masonic  honors. 

Gay,  Frederick  W.  Ottawa  ;  carriage  salesman  ;  created 
July  15,  1886;  died  [May  *8,  H^ee;  buried 
with  Templar  honors. 

Sweet,  Benjamin  F.  Streator;  coal  operator;  created 
July  22,   1886;    S.  July  26,  1894. 

Schmidt,  Henry.  Streator;  chief  of  police ;  created  July 
22,    [886;  demitted   May  _'_',    K>oo. 

Blanchard,  Milton  Eben.  Marseilles ;  physician ;  creat- 
ed July  29,  1880;  Junior  Warden  1906  and 
1907;  Senior  Warden  [908;  Captain  Gen- 
eral [909;  Generalissimo  [910;  Commander 
1911;  demitted  Aug.  [2,  1915:  moved  to 
Los  Angeles,  Cal. 


4i->  the  knights  templar, 

Reeves,  Walter.  Streator;  lawyer;  member  National 
Congress  several  terms;  prominent  in  na- 
tional and  state  politics;  created  July  29, 
[886;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commander}-,   No.  70. 

Hinkson,  Wi n field  Scott.  Freedom  township ;  farmer; 
created  Aug.  5,  [886;  demitted  Nov.  14. 
190 1 . 

Rodgers,  Joshua  P.  Ottawa;  retired  farmer;  created 
Aug.  5,  1886;  Warder  1892  to  [896,  inclu- 
sive, and  1900  to  1 91 3,  inclusive;  died  Feb.  1, 
1914;    buried  with  Templar  honors. 

Summers,  John  Lewis.      Ransom;    farmer;    created  Aug. 

30,  1886;    died  July  14.   1888:    buried  with 
Masonic  honors. 

VVylie,  Alexander.  Utica;  farmer;  created  Aug-.  30, 
1886;  demitted  Dec.  12,  1889. 

Cleave.  John  Francis.  Grand  Rapids  township  ;  farmer: 
created  Aug.  30.  1886;  died  March  4.  1887: 
buried  with  Masonic  honors. 

Neff,  Frank  Thomas.  Marseilles;  banker;  created 
Aug.  30,  1886. 

Wilson,  Joseph  Adams.  Ottawa;  photographer;  created 
Aug.  31,  1886;  demitted  Jan.  1,  1900;  affili- 
ated Jan.   i_\   [905;    Sentinel  since   [905. 

Moffitt,   Eugene.      Marseilles;    druggist;    created    Aug. 

31,  1886. 

Cope,  [srael  C.  Streator;  U.  S.  Deputy  Marshal;  creat- 
ed Sept.   2,    [886;    died  Feb.   2,    1902. 

Anderson,  James.  Streator:  civil  engineer ;  created  Sept. 
2.  1886;   demitted  June  25,  [891. 

Anderson.    ChIarles     Branson.      Streator;     hardware; 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  413 

created  Sept.  2,  1886;  demitted  May  12, 
j  904. 

Smith,  Charles  Howard.  Streator;  I.,  I.  &  I.  station 
agent;  created  Sept.  2,  1886;  demitted  Dec. 
27,  1884. 

McFeely,  Samuel.  Streator;  lumber;  created  Sept.  2, 
[886;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter  mem- 
ber Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Gapen,  Timothy  E.  Sparland  :  druggist ;  affiliated  March 
10,  1887;    demitted  March  12,  1903. 

Heermans,  Niles  Wynkoop.  Ottawa;  minister;  created 
May  12,  1887;  demitted  Dec.  12,  1889; 
moved  to  Anderson,  Ind. 

Ryon,  Oscar  Benton.  Streator;  lawyer;  created  May, 
19,  1887;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  char- 
ter member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Mitchell,  Austin  Valentine.  Streator;  retired  farm- 
er; created  May  19.  1887;  died  Oct.  1.  1896; 
buried  with  Templar  honors. 

Shinn,  John  Nixon.  Streator;  glass  flattener ;  created 
May  26,  1887;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905.  as 
charter  member  Streator  Commandery,  No. 
70, 

Rigden,  George  Morrison.  Streator;  jeweler;  created 
May  26,   1887;    demitted  Dec.   11,  1902. 

Davidson,  John  Marshall.  Streator;  carpenter  and 
contractor;  created  June  2.  1887;  demitted 
Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter  member  Streator 
Commandery,  No.  70. 

Modes,  Edward  Clark.  Streator;  assistant  manager  bot- 
tle works ;  created  June  2,  1887;  died  March 
15,  1899. 


4  14  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

Daly,  Daniel  Ei>ward.  Ottawa;  traveling  salesman ; 
now  milling;  created  Aug.  23,  1SS7. 

Reed,  Edwin  T.  Marseilles;  fanner:  created  Sept.  1, 
1887;  died  Nov.  _'_'.  [908;  buried  with 
Templar  honors. 

Samson,  Luman  Seward.  Freedom  township;  farmer; 
created   Sept.  8,    1NN7. 

ECoeppen,  John  Arnold.  Ottawa;  bottle  moulder ;  creat- 
ed Sept.  S,  [887;    S.  April  28,  1892. 

ScheyinGj  John  Philip.  Ottawa;  dry  goods  clerk  ;  creat- 
ed Nov.  17.  [887;  Warder  [888  and  [889; 
demitted  Dec.  25,  [890. 

Bell.  Austin  James.  Streator:  train  despatcher  A.,  T. 
&  S.  F. ;  created  April  26,  1888;  demitted 
May  25,   1899. 

SteeNj  Charles  Hexry.  Streator;  superintendent  water 
works  A..  T.  &  S.  F. ;  created  May  3,  [888; 
died  Dec.  JO,    1  S<;4- 

Smith.  William  Lloyd.  Streator;  physician;  created 
May  24.  [888;  demitted  Nov.  1.  1905,  as 
charter  member  Streator  Commander)-,  No. 
70. 

Jennings,  Augustus  Howard.  Streator;  foreman;  creat- 
ed June  1.  [888;  died  Jan.  19.  1892;  buried 
with   Masonic  honors. 

Colly,  Albert  Atwood.  Streator;  ice  dealer;  created 
Aug.  _\  [888;  Recorder  [892;  died  Aug.  [6, 
1 094;    buried   with  Templar  honors. 

Sanson.  Henry.  Streator;  mine  manager;  created  Aug. 
30,    [888;    demitted  Jan.    12,    [899. 

Fletcher,  Ruffin  Drew.  Streator;  clerk;  created  Sept. 
o.    [888;    demitted   March    14.    [901. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  415 

Stewart,  James.  Streator;  sand  dealer;  created  Nov. 
22,  1888;    S.  Aug.  22,  1902. 

Rosene,  John.  Streator;  merchant  tailor;  created  Nov. 
22,  1888;   demitted  Jan.  1.  1915. 

Cooke,  James  F.  Ottawa;  insurance;  created  Nov.  29, 
1888;  Junior  Warden  1889;  Prelate  1890 
and   [89]  :    S.  April  8.   1897. 

Tridell,  Thomas  Corwin.  Streator;  tile  manufacturer; 
created    Nov.  29,   1888;    S.  May  2^,   1903. 

Griggs,  Clarence.  Ottawa:  lawyer;  County  Attorney 
several  years;  created  Nov.  29,  1888;  Pre- 
late 1895;    Generalissimo  1897. 

Teetzel,  John  William.  Ottawa;  manufacturer;  creat- 
ed Nov.  29,  1888;    S.  Jan.  11,  1900. 

Stewart,  William  Kellogg.  Ottawa;  carpenter  and 
contractor;  created  Nov.  29,  1888;  demitted 
Jan.    1  1 .    1900. 

Byrth,  William  J.  Streator;  material  agent  A.,  T.  & 
S.  F. ;  created  Dec.  12,  1888;  demitted  Dec. 
10.  1896. 

Williams,  William  James.  Streator;  transfer  line; 
created  March  14.  1889;  demitted  Nov.  1, 
1905,  as  charter  member  Streator  Command- 
ery, No.  70. 

Bailey,  Ezra  Hunt.  Streator;  hanker;  created  March 
28,  1889;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Sexton,  James.  Streator;  retired;  created  April  11, 
1889;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Jones,  William  Batik.  Streator;  boiler  maker;  created 
April    18,    1889;    demitted  Nov.   1,   1905,  as 


416  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMTLAK, 

charter  member  Streator  Commandery,  No. 

;o. 

Spencer,  Thomas  H.  Streator;  farmer;  created  May  2, 
[889;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905.  as  charter  mem- 
ber Streator  Commander)-,  No.  70. 

Modes,  Charles  Christian.  Streator;  foreman  glass 
works:  created  May  9,  1889;  died  Dec.  17, 
1907. 

Colhour,  Benjamin  Franklin.  Long  Point;  merchant 
and  banker;  created  May  17.  1889;  de- 
mitted Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter  member 
Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Wilson,  William.  Utica ;  farmer;  Waltham  township; 
created  May  2$,  1889. 

Waldecker,  Henry.  Ottawa;  cigar  factory;  created 
June  3,  1889. 

Cask,  Frank  W.  Streator;  yard  master;  affiliated  April 
11.   1889;    S.  Sept.  10,  1890. 

Postox,  Newton.  Streator;  bookkeeper;  affiliated  April 
25,  1889;   demitted  Dec.  25,  1890. 

Fisher,  Charles  E.  Ottawa  ;  dry  goods  merchant ;  creat- 
ed June  27,   1889. 

St.  Clair,  William  Ellis.  Streator  ;  accountant ;  created 
Sept.  i_\  [889;   S.  April  8,  1897. 

Law,  Robert  Watson.  Streator;  carpenter  and  contrac- 
tor;  created  Sept.  [9,  [889;  demitted  Nov. 
1,  1905,  as  charter  member  Streator  Com- 
mandery,  Xo.  70. 

I  loon.  Samuel.  Utica;  farmer;  Waltham  township; 
created  Oct.  3.  [889;  died  May  14,  1910; 
buried  with  Masonic  honors. 


H I  STORY  OF  OTTA  W  A  COM  M  A  N  DER  V .  4 1  / 

Godfrey,  Abram  Cross.  Chicago;  grocer;  created  Oct. 
10,  1889. 

Gardner,  David  Edward.  Streator;  locomotive  engineer ; 
created  Oct.  17,  1889;  demitted  Dec.  14, 
1899. 

Knowles,  William  Henry.  Ottawa;  foundry  and  ma- 
chine shop;  created  Nov.  1,  1889;  Sword 
Bearer  1894  and  1895. 

Kneussl,  Gustav.  Ottawa;  druggist;  created  Nov.  14, 
1889;   Captain  General  1893. 

Gentleman,  James.  Ottawa;  farmer;  created  Nov.  28, 
1889;   Junior  Warden  1891. 

Peniiallegon,  William  Hitt.  Streator;  minister; 
created  Dec.  5,  1889;    demitted  Jan.  9,  1890. 

Forbes,  George  A.  Ottawa;  tailoring;  firm  Carmichael 
&  Forhes ;   created  Jan.  3,  1890. 

Boys,  William  Henry.  Streator;  lawyer;  created  Jan. 
id,  1890;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Fornof,  John  W.  Streator;  editor  Free  Press;  post- 
master under  McKinley ;  created  Jan.  30, 
1890;  demitted)  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Withrow,  John  James.     Ottawa;  created  April  10,  1890. 

Tol  and,  John  Frank.  Ottawa;  business  college  ;  created 
Sept.  2=,,   [89a;    demitted  May  25,   [893. 

( in. branson,  Hans.  Ottawa;  organ  tuner;  created 
Oct.  9,    1890;    demitted  June  9,   1904. 

JIigbv,  William  Herbert.  Ottawa;  druggist;  affiliated 
May  8,   1890;    demitted  Oct.  2y,   1910. 

McDougall,  Duncan.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  created  April 
9,  189 1. 


418  THE    KNIGHTS   TKM  I'LAU, 

HugganSj  David  E.  Streator;  engineer;  created  April 
23,  1891;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Trenary,  James  Marshall.  Ottawa;  retired;  affiliated 
Nov.  26,  189 1  ;  Sword  Bearer  [892  and 
1893;  Sentinel  1895;  died  Sept.  22,  1912; 
buried  with  Templar  honors. 

RathbuNj  Charles  Hubbard.  Streator;  coal  operator; 
created  May  7,  1891  ;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905, 
as  charter  member  Streator  Commander). 
No.  70. 

Smith,  Samuel  C.  Streator;  contractor;  created  May  7, 
1891  ;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter  mem- 
ber Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Myer,  Robert  Courtney.  Streator;  carpenter  and  con- 
tractor; created  June  11,  1891;  died  May  3, 
1898;    buried  with  Masonic  honors. 

Graves,  Lewis  Lyall.  Streator;  machinist;  created 
June  11,  1891;  demitted  Nov.  1,  [905,  as 
charter  member  Streator  Commandery,  No. 
70. 

Schaulin,  Charles.  Ottawa;  farmer;  created  May  2T,, 
[89]  :   died  in  Chicago  May  10,  1909. 

Howe,  Lyston  Drewett.  Streator;  mine  superintendent ; 
created  June  11,  [891;  demitted  Nov.  1, 
1905,  as  charter  member  Streator  Command- 
ery, No.  70. 

LokKxx,  Ludwig  Otto.  Streator;  painter;  created  June 
11,  [891;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commandery,  Xo.  70. 

Stew  art,  John  Maxwell.  Streator;  sand  dealer ;  creat- 
ed Oct.  22,    [89]  ;    demitted  May  24,    1906, 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  419 

Kopf,  Joseph.  Streator;  butcher;  created  Nov.  12,  1891  ; 
demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter  member 
Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Shuler,  Jacob  Benner.  Ottawa;  coal  dealer;  grain  in- 
spector; created  Nov.  26,  189 1  ;  Junior 
Warden  1893;   S.  May  14,  1908. 

Hatton,  Albert  Henry.  Peru,  111.;  physician;  affiliated 
April  26,  1 891  ;    demitted  May  12,  1904. 

Angell,  Andrew  H.  Streator;  civil  and  mining'  engineer; 
affiliated  Sept.  24,  1891  ;    S.  May  28,  1903. 

Provins,  Clark  Brading.  Ottawa;  physician;  created 
Jan.  1.  1892;  died  June  4,  1906;  buried  with 
Templar  honors. 

Olmsted,  Adelbert  ThIomas.  Ottawa  ;  dentist ;  created 
April  14,  1892;   demitted  April  iy,  1893. 

Curry,  James  Albert.  Streator;  physician;  created 
April  i1^,  [892;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as 
charter  member  Streator  Commandery,  No. 
70. 

Colley,  Lisle  R.  Streator;  accountant;  created  April  28, 
1892;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter 
member   Streator   Commandery,    No.    70. 

Miller,  Lou  Hanson.  Streator;  watchmaker;  created 
May   12,   1892;    demitted  Dec.  26,    [901. 

Blanchard,  Sylvester  Albert.  Streator;  clerk  ;  created 
May  12,  1892;  demitted  Now  1.  1005,  as 
charter  member  Streator  Commandery,  No. 
70. 

Carpenter,  Guy  C.  Streator;  conductor;  created  May 
12,  1892 ;   S.  Jan.  1  1,  njoo. 

Hess,  Charles  Benton.  Ottawa;  capitalist;  created  May 
12,  1892. 


420  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

DaughertYj  Andrew  Jackson.  Streator;  dairy  farm; 
created  June  13.  1892;  demitted  Nov.  1, 
1905,  as  charter  member  Streator  Command- 
ery,  No.  70. 

Brown,  William  Morell.  Wedron;  farmer;  created 
June  13,  1892. 

Wilmarth,  George  A.  Seneca;  farmer,  Miller  town- 
ship; created  June  13,  1892;  died  May  5. 
1901  ;    buried  with  Masonic  honors. 

Barber,  John  L.  Seneca;  farmer;  created  June  13,  1892; 
demitted  Dec.  8,  1899. 

Pope,  Milton.  Ottawa;  capitalist;  created  June  13, 
1892. 

Duffy,  Christopher  C.  Ottawa;  Clerk  Appellate  Court 
since  1890;    created  June   13,   1892. 

Pruett,  George  Henry.  Ottawa;  carpenter  and  contrac- 
tor; created  June  13,  1892;  Junior  Warden 
[894  and  [896;   S.May,  1907. 

MacKinlav,  William  E.  W.  Ottawa;  U.  S.  army; 
created  June  13.  [892;  demitted  Jan.  14, 
[909. 

Beckwith,  Charles  S.  Waukegan,  111.;  traveling  sales- 
man:  created  June  13.  [892. 

Fredenburg,  Charles  W.  Ottawa;  traveling  salesman; 
created  June  2^,   1892. 

Freeman,  Julius  Antonio.  Millington,  111.;  physician; 
created  June  i(>.  [893;  died  May  8.  1904; 
buried  with  Masonic  honors. 

Dylr,  Edgar  Goodrich.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  created  Oct. 
30.   1893;    died  in  California  Aug".   19.   1901. 

Schoch,  Albert  Frederick.  Ottawa;  hanker;  ex- 
Mayor;  created  Nov.  9,  [893;  Generalissimo 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  42  T 

1895;  Commander  1896  to  1899,  inclusive; 
Grand  Commander  1907;  Treasurer  since 
1912. 

Taylor,  Charles  Philander.  Ottawa:  banker;  created 
Nov.  23.   [893;    Senior  Warden   1897. 

Warner,  Jacob  Isaac.  Ottawa;  insurance;  created  Dec. 
r,  1893:   demitted  May  14,  1914. 

Moraiin,  Edward  S.  Sheridan,  111.;  banker;  canal  com- 
missioner under  Cow  Dunne;  affiliated  Nov. 
23.  1893. 

Van  Skiver,  Andrew  Ritchie.  Streator;  editor  Free 
Press;  created  Jan.  11,  1894;  demitted  Nov-. 
1,  1905.  as  charter  member  Streator  Com- 
mandery,  No.  70. 

Yentzer,  Francis  Marion.  Ottawa  ;  traveling-  salesman  ; 
created  Feb.  11.  1894. 

Hitt,   Rector  Cass.     Ottawa;    created     Feb.    22,     1894; 

lawyer. 

Wignall,  Walter  Bogart.  Streator;  groceries;  created 
March  1,  1894;    demitted  Feb.  24.  [898. 

Morris,  James.  Streator;  cashier;  created  March  8, 
1894;   demitted  March  10,  [898. 

Richolson,  Samuel.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  ex-Mayor  Otta- 
wa; created  March  24,  1894:  died  June  24, 
1906. 

Heath,  Wilrur  F.  Ottawa;  manager  clothing  store; 
affiliated  Feb.  8,  1894;  demitted  Jan.  n, 
T900;  moved  to  Danville,  111. 

Bawden,  Thomas.  Streator;  insurance;  created  May 
10.  1894;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 


(.22  Till'.    K  NIC,  I  ITS    TEMPLAR, 

1  I  am  mom),  P.  K.  Streator;  minister;  created  May  24, 
[894;    demitted  Dec.  26,  1895. 

Bach,  Math ew  William.  Ottawa;  manufacturer  :  creat- 
ed May  2,   [895. 

Fleming,  Nathan.  Marseilles;  farmer  and  capitalist; 
created  May  9,  1895;  celebrated  90th  birth- 
day Jan.  10.  19 1 7. 

Refior,  David.  Ottawa;  hardware;  created  May  16, 
1895;  Senior  Warden  1896;  Captain  Gen- 
eral 1897.  1898  and  1899;  Junior  Warden 
1908  and  1909. 

Francis,  John  P.  Hale.  Ottawa;  retired;  created  May 
23,   1895. 

Pool.,    Carlisle  M.     Ottawa;    retired;    created   May   30. 

I895- 
Werner,  Charles  G.     Ottawa;  piano  tuner;  created  June 

*3.  l895- 

IIakmax,  Charles  Edward.  Taw  Paw,  111.:  locomotive 
engineer;  affiliated  June  ij,  1895 ;  demitted 
Jan.  12.  1899. 

Wylie,  John.  Utica;  farmer;  Waltham  township ;  mem- 
ber Board  of  Supervisors,  La  Salle  county,  for 
several  years  ;  ex-member  Legislature  :  creat- 
ed July  5,   1895. 

Lawrv,  Samuel  U.  Freedom:  farmer;  created  Aug.  2. 
1895;   demitted  July  24.  1913. 

Bird,  [osepb  William.  Streator  ;  merchant :  created  Aug. 
8.  1895;    S.  Aug.  21,  1902. 

McClure,  Camillus.  Freedom;  farmer;  created  Oct. 
10.  1895;  died  Aug.  19,  191 1;  buried  with 
Masonic  honors. 

Wright,  Alonzo  P.  Streator;  lawyer;  affiliated  Sept.  12, 
[895  ;    S.  May  28,   1903. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  423 

Manly,  Harry  Lewis.  Streator;  accountant;  created 
Oct.  _'4,  1895;  demitted  Nov.  I,  1905,  as 
charter  member  Streator  Commandery,  No. 
70. 

Gabkee,  Charles  Lawrence.  Streator;  glass  worker; 
created  Nov.  7.  1895. 

Flick,  William  Carl.  Streator;  bank  clerk:  elected 
Treasurer  La  Salle  county  in  191 2  ;  moved  to 
Ottawa;  created  Nov.  22,  1895;  demitted 
Now  i,  1905,  as  charter  member  Streator 
Commander)-,  No.  70. 

Chapman,  Clarence  Beeman.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  created 
Dec.  5,  1895;  Warder  1897;  Recorder  1898 
to  1900,  inclusive. 

Heidler,  Samuel  Hogen.  Ottawa;  teacher;  affiliated 
Sept.  23,  1896;  Junior  Warden  1897;  Senior 
Warden  1898;  demitted  June  8,  1899. 

Herbert,  Frank  Young.  Ottawa;  dentist;  created  Feb. 
1  1,  1897;   demitted  June  2$,  1900. 

Brown,  Herbert  Allen.  Aurora;  locomotive  engineer; 
created  Feb.  2^,  1897;   demitted  Jan.  1,  1900. 

Yockey,  Charles  J.  Ottawa;  ex-Sheriff;  created  April 
8,  1897;  died  Dec.  2/,  1902;  buried  with 
Templar  honors. 

Knott,  Richard  Francis.  Marseilles;  paper  manufac- 
turer;   created  April    15,   1897. 

Eldredge,  Edgar.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  Judge  Circuit  Court : 
created  May  2y,  1897;  Junior  Warden  1898 
and  1899;  Captain  General  1900  and  [90]  : 
Commander  1902. 

Barrett,  Berkley  Gillett.  Ottawa;  Deputy  Sheriff : 
accountant;  affiliated  Oct.  14,  1897;  died 
April  2/,  1910;    buried  with  Masonic  honors. 


4-'4  THE    KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

Trowbridge,  [rving  Hjnton.  Marseilles;  druggist;  ex- 
member  Legislature;  created  Jan.  27,  [898; 
died  March   to,   [914;   buried  with    Masonic 

Ik  mors. 

Allen,  Eugene  Daniel.     Marseilles;    druggist;    created 

March    to,    [898. 
Becker,    John     Joseph.      Marseilles;     butcher;     created 

March  _»4,   1898. 

Thompson,  Sylvanus  Sumner.     Marseilles;   postmaster; 

created  April  7,   [898;    died  April  27,   [910; 

buried  with  Masonic  honors. 
Allison,  Joseph.     Ottawa;    locomotive  engineer ;   created 

April   7.    [898;    died   Sept.    i.    1915 ;    buried 

with    Templar  honors. 

Phillips,  Calvin  Dallas.  Ottawa:  merchant;  created 
April    14.    [898;    died  Aug.  (>,   1903. 

Fischer,  Frederick  L.  Ottawa:  hardware;  created  April 
2 1 ,   1898;  Sword  Bearer  [902  and   [903. 

Gladfelter,  Elmer  E.  Ottawa;  furniture  and  undertak- 
ing;  created  April  21,   [898. 

Arnold,  Henry  Lincoln.  Ottawa;  ex-Treasurer  La 
Salle  count}-;  secretary  Ottawa  Banking  & 
Trust  Co.;  member  Board  of  Education  of 
city  of  Ottawa;  created  May  5.  [898;  Gen- 
eralissimo [901-2  (one  year);  Commander 
[902-3  and  [903-4;  member  Masonic  Board 
of  Control  Masonic  Temple;  a  man  of  ex- 
ceptional ability  as  an  accountant  and  sterling 
integrity  as  a  citizen. 

Pearson,  Samuel  S.  Ottawa;  hardware:  created  May 
10,  1898;  died  Nov.  21.  [908;  buried  with 
Templar  honors. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  425 

Lardin,  Albert  Thomas.  Ottawa;  has  held  the  office  of 
Probate  Judge  since  1894;  as  Probate  Judge 
has  earned  the  title  of  "Just  Judge"  in  pro- 
tecting the  widows  and  orphans  in  the  settle- 
ments of  estates;  created  May  12,  [898; 
Sword  Bearer  [899;   died  March  31,  io>7- 

Strong,  Charles  I".  Earlville,  111.:  hanker;  affiliated 
May  i_\  [898. 

Campbell,  Charles  W.  Ottawa;  livery;  city  commis- 
sioner for  several  years;  "eternal  vigilance" 
his  watchword;    created  May  26,   [898. 

Smith,  Robert  Lucten.  Ottawa;  Deputy  County  Clerk: 
created  June  5,  1898;  Recorder  of  Ottawa 
Commandery  igoi  to  1917,  inclusive;  his 
records  are  a  model  of  neatness  and  accuracy. 

McKatiix,  Herbert  BIlaker.  Moline,  111.;  general  man- 
ager and  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Mar- 
seilles Co.;  ex-Mayor  of  Marseilles,  111.; 
created  June  9.  1898:  Standard  Bearer  1899; 
Junior  Warden  1 900-1  ;  Senior  Warden 
1901-2;  Captain  General  1902-3;  Generalis- 
simo 1903-4  and  1904-5  ;  Commander  1905-6. 

Fullerton,  William  Dyer.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  created 
Sept.  15,  1898;  Junior  Warden  1900;  Senior 
Warden  1904-5;  Captain  General  1905-6; 
Generalissimo    [906-7;    Commander    1907-8. 

Bach,  Edward  Webster.  Omaha:  accountant;  created 
Nov.  17,  1898;   Senior  Warden  1900-1. 

Hatiiewav,  Elnathan  Pierce.  Ottawa;  physician: 
created  Dec.  1,  1898. 

Tryon,  Clarence  Edward.  Ottawa:  life  insurance; 
created  April  6,  1898;  died  July  10,  1900; 
buried  with  Templar  honors. 


426  THE   KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

Gasser,  Christian.  Ottawa;   engineer;  created  Sept.  27, 

[899. 

Ekkkki.l.  Jonathan  M.     Marseilles;   agent  C.  R.  T.  &  P. 

R.   R.;  created   May  25,    1899;    S.  May  25, 

K)l6. 

Dunaway,  George  Craft.  Ottawa;  grain  merchant  at 
Utica  and  Ottawa;  created  Jan.  18,  1900; 
Junior  Warden  1904-5;  Senior  Warden 
[905-6;  Captain  General  1906-7;  Generalis- 
simo 1907-8;  Commander  t 908-9  and  191 1- 
12. 

Vincent,  Irving  De  Forest.  Ottawa;  merchant;  created 
Jan.  2^,,  T900;  Standard  Bearer  1901-2; 
Senior  Warden  [902-3;  Captain  General 
1903-4  and  1904-5;  Generalissimo  1905-6; 
Commander  1906-7. 

Clipper,  George  A.  Ottawa;  merchant  tailor;  created 
Feh.  16,  1900;    demitted  April  9,  1906. 

Nattinger,  Edward  A.  Ottawa  :  editor  "Ottawa  Times"  : 
created  April  5.  1900;   died  Sept.  1.  1903. 

Weese,  Walter  F.  Ottawa ;  vice-president  Central  Life 
Ins.  Co.;  created  May  31.  1900;  Sword 
Rearer  1901. 

Deenis,  Charles  G.  Ottawa;  veterinary;  created  June 
7,  1900. 

FarraRj  George  W.  Ottawa;  rector  Episcopal  church ; 
affiliated  April  12.  1900:  Prelate  1902-3;  de- 
mitted April  14.  1903. 

Byrne,  Christopher  J.  Ottawa;  superintendent  public 
schools;   affiliated  June  28,  [900. 

Cook.  Harry  G.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  has  served  as  Master 
in  Chancery  several  years;  created  Oct.  12, 
1 000. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY,  427 

Hatheway,  Fred  A.  Ottawa ;  ex-County  Clerk ;  secre- 
tary Building-  and  Loan  association  ;  created 
Nov.  16,  1900. 

Palmer,  Enos  E.  Ottawa;  physician;  created  Nov.  22, 
1900. 

Duncan,  William  D.  Ottawa:  druggist;  created  Jan. 
24,  190 1. 

Yentzer,  Enoch.     Ottawa;    electrician;    created  Feb.  7, 

1 900. 

Mills,  Frederick  E.      Streator;    merchant;    created  Feb. 

14,  1900;    demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter 

member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 
Weaver,  Piiilo  C.     Ottawa  ;  manufacturer  pianos  ;  created 

Feb.  28,  1 90 1  ;    S.  Ajug.  3,  1908. 
Jamison,  John  A.     La  Grange,  111.;  grain  dealer;  created 

April  4.   1901. 
Bergeson,  John.     Ottawa;    oculist    and    aurist;    created 

March  28,  1901  ;   demitted  Oct.  10,  1907. 
Killelea,   William   G.      Marseilles:    traveling  salesman; 

created  April  4,   1901. 
Butters,  Albert  E.     Ottawa;    lawyer;   created  April   it, 

190 1. 

Glover,  Clarence  C.  Ottawa;  accountant;  created  April 
18,  1 90 1  ;    demitted  Jan.   10,  1907. 

Belrose,  Charles  L.  Wedron;  grain  dealer;  created 
April  25,  1 901. 

Trimble,  George  M.  Ottawa;  life  insurance;  created 
May  23,  1 901. 

Howe,  Orion  H.  Streator;  accountant;  created  Oct.  17. 
1901  ;  demitted  Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Williams,  Charles  H.     Streator  ;  merchant ;  created  Nov. 


428  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

7,    [901;    demitted   Nov.   1,   1905,  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commandery,  \<>.  70. 

Hall,  Hugh.  Streator;  clerk;  created  Oct.  3  1  ;  demitted 
Nov.  1,  1905,  as  charter  member  Streator 
Commandery,  No.  70. 

Haight,  George  II.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  created  Dec.  3, 
1 90 1  :  ex-member  Ottawa  City  Council. 

Pirkey,  Milton  C.  Streator;  insurance;  created  April  3, 
[902 ;  demitted  Nov.  1.  [905,  as  charter  mem- 
ber Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Larson-.  Eric.  Moline;  piano  tuner;  created  Jan.  30, 
[902. 

Graves,  Edward  A.  Streator;  civil  engineer;  created 
Feb.  6,  1902;  died  Jan.  1.  [905;  buried  with 
Masonic  honors. 

Wiley,  Herbert  C.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  firm  Browne  & 
\Vilev :  secretary  Building  &  Loan  associa- 
tion;  created  Feb.  20,  1902. 

Burrows.  Thomas  W.  Ottawa;  physician  and  surgeon; 
created  March  5,  [902. 

Schurman,  Chari.es  R.  Streator;  ice  dealer;  created 
March  13.  1002;  demitted  Nov.  1.  1905.  as 
charter  member  Streator  Commandery,  Xo. 
70. 

Ahlborn,  George  II.  Ottawa:  carriage  trimmer ;  created 
April  10,  1902;  died  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  Jan. 
11.  1916. 

Scharfenberg,  Robert  S.  Streator;  clothing;  created 
April  17.  [902;  demitted  Nov.  i.  1905.  as 
charter  member  Streator  Commandery,  Xo. 
70. 

Echard,  Isaac  F.     Streator;    optician:    created  April    17. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  429 

1902;     demitted    Nov.    i,    1905,    as    charter 

member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 
Bergeson,   Samuel  E.     Ottawa;    clothing-;    created  May 

8,  1902;    demitted  March  22,  1906. 
Neilson,  John  N.     Ottawa;   switchman;  created  May  28, 

1902. 
Jennings.   William   H.      Streator;    accountant;     created 

May  28,    1902;    demitted   Nov.    1,    1905,  as 

charter  member  Streator  Commandery,  No. 

70. 
Hills,   George  P.     Ottawa;    lawyer;    member  Board  of 

Education;    created  Dec.    18,    1902. 
Williams,   James   R.     Streator;    transfer    line;     created 

Nov.  20,    1902;    demitted   Nov.    1,    1905,  as 

charter  member  Streator  Commandery,  No. 

70. 
Rowland,  Charles  T.     Streator;    drug'    clerk:     created 

Dec.    iS,    j 902;    demitted   Now    1,    J 905,  as 

charter  member  Streator  Commandery,  No. 

70. 
Buss,  George  F.      Earlville;  fanner;  created  Jan.  15,  1903. 

Gatiss,  Joseph  F.  Freedom;  farmer;  created  Jan.  15, 
1903. 

'Thompson,  Rezin  N.  Marseilles;  manager  sleeping  cars 
for  Sell's  Bros.'  circus;  created  March  20, 
1903:  died  May  7,  191  1;  buried  with  Ma- 
sonic honors. 

Kiusk,  George  J.  Marseilles;  tinner;  created  March  26, 
1903. 

Wiley,  Charles  A.  Freedom;  farmer;  created  June  X, 
1903;  died  May  6,  1909;  buried  with  Ma- 
sonic honors, 


430  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

Hah  n,  Charles.     Ottawa;  city  waterworks :  created  June 

i  i .  1903. 
Wendel,    Philip  J.     Ottawa:    dentist:    created  June   11, 

1903:    Standard  Hearer  1904-5  and  1905-6; 

Senior    Warden     1906-7;     Captain    General 

1007-8:    Commander   1908-9. 

ShaveRj  Larue  Perene.  Ottawa:  artist:  created  Sept. 
2,  1903:    Sword  Bearer  1911-12. 

Myers,  William  Beighel.  Ottawa:  merchant:  firm 
Fisher  &  Myers:  created  Nov.  5.  1903:  de- 
nutted  May  25,    191  1. 

Cam  itjell,  Peter  McGilyaky.  Ottawa:  ice  dealer ;  now 
stock  and  wheat  ranch,  Hobson,  Mont.: 
created  Dec.  10,  1903:  Sword  Bearer  1908-9; 
Senior  Warden  1909-10:  Captain  General 
1 9 1  o- 1 1 . 

Sample,  Martin  Luther.  Ottawa:  hotel;  created  Dec. 
13.  1903;   Standard  Hearer  1908-1). 

Geiger,  Charles.  Ottawa:  grocer;  created  Feb.  18. 
1904. 

Reynolds,  Samuel  Wallace.  Utica;  farmer.  Deer 
Park  township;  was  for  several  years  auditor 
Illinois  Traction  System:  created  March  3. 
1904. 

RollOj  William  Harper.  Marseilles:  hank  teller:  now 
financial  representative  I  Jnited  Agency  credit 
department:  created  March  17,  [904;  Stand- 
ard Hearer  [906-7;  Junior  Warden  [907-8; 
Senior  Warden  1908-9:  Captain  General 
1909-10;  Generalissimo  191 0-1 1 ;  Command- 
er 101  [-12. 

RuTTEREiEi.n,  Everett  Henry.  ( )ttawa  :  physician  :  creat- 
ed May  5.  1904:   demitted  Jan.  11,  1917. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  43 1 

Chubbuck,  Paul  Raymond.  Streator ;  lawyer ;  created 
May  20,  1904;  demitted  Nov.  i,  1905,  as 
charter  member  Streator  Commandery,  No. 
70. 

Ross,  Walter  Link.  Streator;  railway  superintendent 
and  manager;  president  Clover  Leaf  line 
railways;  created  May  20,  1904;  demitted 
Nov.  1,  1905.  as  charter  member  Streator 
Commandery,  No.  70. 

Metzger,  Carl  Joseph.  Ottawa;  ladies'  shop;  created 
April  28,   1904. 

Metzger,  Charles  Joseph.  Ottawa;  retired;  created 
April  28,   1904. 

Reid,  Robert  Joseph.  Ottawa;  broker;  affiliated  March 
24,  J  904. 

Waters,  George  John.  Ottawa:  traveling  salesman; 
affiliated  April  28,  1904;  Senior  Warden 
1911-12;  Captain  General  1912-13;  Gen- 
eralissimo  1913-14;    Commander   1014-15. 

Roberts,  Albert  J.  Ottawa;  physician;  created  July  14, 
1904;  Senior  Warden  1014-15;  Captain 
General  1915-10;    Generalissimo  0)10-17. 

Herzog,  Albert  E.  Ottawa;  physician;  created  Dec.  1, 
1904. 

Brooker,  Charles  C.  Streator;  created  Dec.  28,  1904; 
demitted  Nov.  1.  1905,  as  charter  member 
Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Applegate,  James  T.  Blackstone;  grain  buyer;  created 
Dec.  28,  1904;  demitted  Nov.  1.  [905,  as 
charter  member  Streator  Commandery,  No. 
70. 


432  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

Bavxk,  I  [oward  IIalsev.     Ottawa  ;  lawyer;  created  March 

9,  [905. 
koATii.  Byron  Allen.      Marseilles;   Justice  of  the  Peace; 

created  March    [6,    [905 ;    demitted  Jan.  2^, 

1917. 
J  [owells,  Richard  J.     Streator;  salesman;  created  March 

23>   U)G?'-    demitted  Nov.   1,   1905,  as  charter 

member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Bennion,  Louis.  Streator;  clerk;  created  March  23, 
1905:  demitted  Nov.  1.  1905,  as  charter 
member  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70. 

Bradford.  Samuel  Baldwin.  Ottawa;  secretary  Central 
Lite  Insurance  Co.;   created  April  6,  1905. 

Carr,  Jesse  Wasson.  Sheridan;  physician:  created 
April  27.   1905. 

TrumbOj  Benjamin  Franklin.  Ottawa;  farmer.  Day- 
tun  township;  ex-Sheriff;  created  May  15. 
[905;  died  Nov.  8,  191  1  :  buried  with  Tem- 
plar horn  irs. 

Dean,  Albert  Arthur.  Marseilles;  Howe  &  Davidson 
Paper  Co.;    created   May  25,    1905. 

(iowKx.  Louis.  Ottawa;  salesman  Illinois  Printing  Co.; 
created   May  25,    [905. 

I;oi.i.ktt,  Frank  F.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  created  June  1. 
KJ05. 

Mills,  Richard  Daniel.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  created  Sept. 
14-   1905- 

Mo. vi  'kith  .  [ames  A.  Ottawa;  insurance:  created  Nov.. 
9,    [905  ;    demitted  June   [3,   1907. 

Ik  win.    William    H.     Ottawa;     civil    engineer;    County 

Surveyor;    created  Nov.  9.  1905. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  433 

Blanchard,  Herman  Silver.  Ottawa;  created  Nov.  25, 
1905;   demitted  Jan.  11,  19 12. 

Long,  Charles  W.  Ottawa;  farmer,  Rutland  township; 
created  Dec.  21,  1905. 

Spencer,  Edwin  R.  Marseilles;  merchant;  created  Jan. 
1  1 ,  1906. 

Barnard,  John  L.  Ottawa;  secretary  and  treasurer  Illi- 
nois Valley  Grain  Co.;   created  Feb.   1,  1906. 

Ackerman,  Oscar  J.  Ottawa;  insurance;  created  Feb. 
8,   1906;    S.  Mav  9,  19 1-'. 

Hoffman,  Emil  J.  Ottawa;  buyer;  created  Feb.  15, 
1906;  died  Sept  5,  1 914 ;  buried  with  Ma- 
sonic honors. 

Tracer,  Albert  L.  Marseilles ;  salesman ;  created  Feb. 
22,   1906. 

Chubbuck,  H.  Eugene.  Ottawa;  electric  engineer;  vice- 
president  executive  Illinois  Traction  System; 
now  residing  in  Peoria;  created  April  12, 
1906;   demitted  July  2-),  1 9 1 3 . 

Johnson,  Henry  W.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  ex-Circuit  Clerk  ; 
ex-Judge  County  Court;  ex-State  Senator; 
president  Ottawa  Banking  &  Trust  Co.,  and 
also  Central  Life  Insurance  Co. ;  created  May 
to,    1906. 

Sindel,  William    II.      Marseilles;    fanner;    created    May 

17.    [906;    died  May  30,   E915 ;    buried  with 

Masonic  honors. 
Bradish,  Albert  C.     Ottawa;    lumber;    created   May  31, 

[906. 
Weirick,  Albert  John.      Marseilles;    physician;    created 

Oct.   1 1,  1906. 


434  Tlll':    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

WilsoNj  Charles  F.  Ottawa;  civil  engineer;  created 
Oct.  26,  [906;  demitted  June  [3,  1912. 

Kline,    Herbert    Lewis.      .Marseilles;      retired     farmer; 

created  Dec.   [3,   [906. 
Cody,   Clyde  Jay.      Freedom;    fanner;    created   Dec.   20, 

[906. 

Barbour,  Harry  Charles.     Ottawa;  telephone  manager; 

affiliated  March   14.  1907. 

Rabenstein,  Erwin  C.  Ottawa;  bank  teller:  created 
April  11,  1907;   demitted  April   11,  1912. 

Peebles,  Frederick  A.  Ottawa;  insurance;  created  May 
2,  1907;  died  Dec.  13.  1908;  buried  with 
Templar  honors. 

Sherwood,  Everitt  A.  Ottawa;  student;  created  May 
22,  1907. 

Mathes,  Walter  M.  Ottawa:  master  mechanic  ;  created 
Dec.  19,  1907. 

Mader,  Felix  Ernest.  Ottawa;  custodian:  created  Jan. 
9,  1908. 

Trimmer,  Thomas  H.  Marseilles:  retired  farmer;  creat- 
ed Jan.  30,  1908. 

Bruce,  Clayton  S.  Payson,  Utah;  traveling  salesman: 
created  Feb.  6,  1908. 

Galloway,  George  Grant.  Elgin,  111.;  electrician:  creat- 
ed April  23.  1908. 

Hupp,  George  C.  Sheridan;  retired;  created  Sept.  24, 
1 908. 

Berg,  John  Math  1  as.  Ottawa;  mechanical  engineer: 
created  Dec.  3,  1908;  Standard  Bearer  1909- 
10  and  1910-11;  Captain  General  1911-12; 
Generalissimo  [912-13;  Commander  19 13- 14. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  435 

Conger,   William.     Ottawa;     retired;    created    Dec.    17, 

1908. 
Malaise,  Gustave  J,     Grand   Ridge;    merchant;    created 

Jan.  28,   i<)Chj. 
Borchsenius,  George  C.     Sheridan;    merchant;    created 

Jan.   7,    [909;    died   Feb.   _'4,    [909;    buried 

with  Masonic  honors. 
Eastegord,  Harvey  L.     Freedom:    farmer;    created  Feb. 

4,  1909- 
Kuhlman,  Frederick  R.     Ottawa;  superintendent ;  creat- 
ed Feb.  20,  1909. 
Beck,  Charles.     Ottawa;   laundry;  created  May  6,  1909; 

Senior  Warden  1910-11. 
Reed,  Samuel  Burritt.     Ottawa  ;  superintendent ;  created 

May  20,  1909;   S.  April  1,  1915. 

Lacy,  John  James.     Grand  Ridge;    farmer;   created  May 

13.  1909. 
Thompson,    George   W.     Sheridan ;      merchant ;    created 

May  2j,  1909. 

Courtright,   Frank   B.     Sheridan;    railway   mail    clerk; 
created  May  2J,  1909. 

Cal lagan,  Ralph  J.      Sheridan;  banker;  created  May  27, 

1909. 
Stockley,  Charles  H.     Ottawa:    retired;    created  June 

24,  1909. 

Peck,  Edward  F.     Ottawa;    court  reporter;   created  June 
24,  1909. 

Herring,    James    B.     Ottawa;    proprietor    sand    works; 
created  June  24,  1909. 

La  wry,   Carl    Clement.     Freedom;    physician;    created 
July  22,  1909. 


436  'I'll  E    KNIGHTS    I'l'.M  I'l.AK, 

Lit/,  Carl  William.  Ottawa;  druggist;  created  July 
30,  1909. 

Davidson,  Frank  Bruce.  Marseilles;  superintendent 
Howe  &  Davidson  Co.;  created  Sept.  23, 
1909. 

Lucas,  Robert  Charles.  Ottawa;  retired:  created  Oct. 
7.  [909. 

Pearson,  Samuel  C.  Kansas  City;  insurance;  now  man- 
ager of  insurance  company,  Kansas  City,  Mo., 
where  he  resides;  created  Nov.  18,  1909: 
Junior  Warden  19 10-11. 

Gleim,  George  John.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  created  Dec.  2, 
1909. 

Brooker,  Harley  E.  Joliet;  engineer;  created  Dec.  9. 
1909. 

Tummel,  Benjamin  F.     Marseilles;   grocer;  created  Dec. 

16,  1909:    Sword   Bearer   [910-11. 
Elder,   Herman   Haines.     Ottawa;    bookkeeper;    created 

Dec.  23,  1909;  demitted  April  14.  [910; 
reaffiliated   Feb.   i_\    [914. 

Buchner,  John  F.  Ottawa;  County  Recorder;  created 
I '"eh.  3.  [910. 

Grover,  George  ( >.  Ottawa;  cashier  Ottawa  Banking  & 
Trust  Co.;    created  Feb.  24,   [910. 

Erb,  Elias.     Ottawa;   retired:  created  March  8,  [911. 

Benson,  Ole  E.  Ottawa;  ex-Sheriff;  member  Legisla- 
ture :   created  March   to,  [9  to. 

PEARSON,    [OSEPH    H.      Ottawa;    hardware;    created   March 

17.  [910;  Captain  General  [914-15;  Gen- 
eralissimo  [915-16;    Commander   [916-17. 

Vaupel,  Charles  Paul.  Ottawa;  steam  titter;  created 
March  17,  1910. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  437 

Camber,  Henry  G.  Peoria;  business  manager  and  treas- 
urer Peoria  Musical  College;  created  March 
24,  1910. 

Gleim,  Frederick  W.  Ottawa;  jeweler;  created  May  12, 
1910;    demitted  June  12.    [913. 

Farnsworth.,  George  L.  Ottawa;  city  civil  engineer; 
created  May  26,   [910;    Sword  Bearer  [912- 

13    and    1 013- 14;    Junior    Warden    1914-15; 
Senior  Warden    [915-16. 

Conard,  Wilson.  Ottawa;  retired  ;  created  Aug.  4.  1910; 
died    Dec.    15.    U)  1  1  ;    buried    with    Templar 

lioni  >rs. 

Heiberg,    Axel,      Ottawa;     druggist;     County     Auditor; 

created  Nov.  10.  1910. 
Mundorff,   William    D.     Wedron;    grain;    created  Dec. 

1,  1 910. 
Malaise,  Prosper  J.     Serena;    merchant;   created  Dec.  8. 

1910. 
SiiiFELT,  Adam.     Freedom;    telephone  manager ;    created 

Dec.  15,  19 10. 
Bbignon.  Edward  C.     Serena ;    farmer ;    created  Dec.  22. 

1910. 
Tones,  Fred  Lamb.     Ottawa;    manufacturer;   created  Jan. 

12,  191 1 ;   Warder  19 13- 14. 

Goodell.  John  Hubbard.  Marseilles :  machinist  and  in- 
ventor; author;  created  March  2.  191 1  :  Pre- 
late 191 2  and  1916,  inclusive. 

Yen erich,  John  George.  Ottawa;  retired  farmer  ;  creat- 
ed March  2,  191  1  ;  died  Oct.  2,  1912:  buried 
with  Templar  honors. 

Maxwell,  William  R.     Ottawa:   grocer;   created  March 


438  THE    KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

5,   1911;    died  Sept.  25.    1916;    buried  with 
Templar  honors. 
Newport,   Nathan  G.     Morris;    grain;    affiliated  March 

23,  i9Ji- 
Sterrett,  George  W.     Marseilles;     millwright;     created 

April  6,   10,1  [. 
McLean,    Alexander.     Ottawa:    farmer;    created   April 

13,    IQII. 
Daggett,   Charles  B.      Marseilles;    railway    mail    clerk; 

created  April  20,   [911. 
Blardsley,  Lynn    A.      Sheridan;    manager  lumber  yard; 

created  April  27,   [911. 
Herring,  Charles  B.     Ottawa:    proprietor  sand  works; 

created  May  4,  [911. 

Prafcke,  Frederick  C.     Ottawa;   plumber;   created  May 

4.  191 1. 
Gaussin,  Joseph  P.     Ottawa;    glass  worker;   created  May 

25,   191 1. 
Messenie,  William   P.     Marseilles;    electrician;    created 

May  25,  191 1  ;    demitted  Aug.  12,  1915. 
Reed,  Chester  P.     Ottawa  ;    salesman  ;    created  May  3  1 . 

191  1 . 
Miller,  Henry  C.     Serena;  blacksmith;  created  Sept.  14, 

K)i  1  ;   died  Dec.  1  2,  0)14. 
Spaulding,  Arthur  J.     Troy  Grove;    farmer;    Waltham 

township;   created  Oct.  5,  [911. 
Stocklev,     William     11.       Earlville;     farmer,    Waltham 

township;   created  Oct.  12,  [911. 
Belknap,  Oliver    I.     Ottawa;    retired;    created  Oct.    12. 

u)  1  1 . 
Storimkk,   Perry  (i.     Ottawa;    dentist;    created  Oct.    [9, 

101  1. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  439 

Wh.t.sky,  Royal  E.     Utica ;    farmer,  Waltham  township; 

created   Oct.   26,    1911;    died  Jan.    1,    1913 ; 

buried  with  Masonic  honors. 
Wilson,  John  A.     Utica;    farmer,    Waltham    township; 

created  Oct.  26,  191 1. 
Prichard.   Arthur  D.     Ottawa;    importer    and    breeder 

draft  horses;    created  Dec.  21,   1911;   Junior 

Warden  19 13- 14. 

Prichard,  Frederick  S.  Ottawa ;  importer  and  breeder 
draft  horses;  created  Dec.  21,  191 1;  Stand- 
ard  Bearer    19 13-14. 

Crowden,  George  W.  Ottawa;  editor  Fair  Dealer;  affili- 
ated Dec.  28,  191 1  ;  Junior  Warden  1912-13; 
Captain  General  1913-14;  Generalissimo 
1914-15;   Commander  1015-16. 

Reed,  Edward  A.  Ottawa  ;  agricultural  implement  dealer  ; 
affiliated  Jan.   11,  1912. 

Osgood,  Henry  D.  Marseilles:  real  estate;  created  Jan. 
11.  1912. 

Geiger,  Simon  C.  Ottawa;  bakery  and  confectionery; 
created  Jan.  18,  1912;  died  Jan.  27,,  1917. 

Berxdt,  William  F.  Ottawa;  plumber;  created  Feb.  1, 
1012. 

Edgcomb,  John  S.  Ottawa;  retired;  created  Feb.  29, 
101  2. 

Weese,  Glenn  W.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  created  March  14, 
1912. 

Conard,  David  Roy.  Ottawa ;  farmer ;  created  March 
21,  1912. 

Russell,  William  C.  St.  Louis;  bookkeeper;  created 
April    18,   1912. 

Carter,    Ray    A.     Ottawa;    auditor;    created    April    18, 


440  Til  E    K  NIGHTS   TI'.M  I'l.AR, 

[912 ;  Junior  Warden  [915-16;  Senior  Ward- 
en 1916-17. 

Fread,  William  P.  Ottawa;  physician;  created  April 
[8,  [912;  Warder  [915-16;  Junior  Warden 
[916-17. 

Roe,  Charles  S.  Ottawa;  abstracter:  created  April  25, 
[912;    S.  May  4.   [914. 

McKahin,  William  J.  Marseilles;  foreman;  affiliated 
April  25,  [912;  demitted  Oct.  8,  1914. 

Shltk,  Arthur  J.  Ottawa;  tanner  and  stock  feeder; 
created  May   iS.   [912. 

Lee,  Harry  J.  Ottawa:  piano  tuner;  affiliated  June  n, 
1912;    Sentinel    [912-13. 

McCarty,  Carlos  O.  Ottawa;  traveling  salesman;  creat- 
ed Nov.  16,   [9]  2. 

Stoessinger.  Fred  C.  Ottawa ;  druggist :  created  Dec. 
12.  1912. 

Spencer,  Harry  C.     Marseilles;  bookkeeper;  created  Dec. 

19,  1912. 
Hogaxsox,  Tyler  A.     Morris;    merchant;    created  Nov. 

23,  19 1 2. 
Milligan,  James,  Jr.     Ottawa;   salesman  and  accountant: 

created  Feb.  6,   1913:    Senior  Warden   [913- 

'4- 
M  loaf  li  \.  Joseph  M.     Ottawa  ;  shoe  store:  created  March 

6,  19 1 3. 
Bradford,  Charles  T.     Ottawa:  laundry:  created  March 

Dale,   John    R.     Des     Moines,     la.:    insurance:    created 

March   17.  [913. 
Thompson,  Noah  H.     Ottawa;  publisher;  created  March 

'7-  >()i3- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  44I 

Thrasher,  Harry  L.  Ottawa:  assistant  manager  Tent 
Colony;  created  April  17.  [913;  S.  May  jr. 
19 16. 

Brenn,  Charles  F.  Ottawa;  mining  engineer ;  affiliated 
June  26,  [913. 

Stevenson,  Charles  l\.     Ottawa;  engineer  and  oil  opera 
tor  :   created  Nov.  1  3,  [9  1  3. 

Clegg,   Samuel   E.     Ottawa;    plumber    and    steamfitter; 

created  Jan.  _'_>,    iol|:    Sword   Bearer   1014- 

[5- 
Green,     Walter     Rush.      Dayton;     fanner    and     dairy; 

created  Jan.  29,   11)14. 

Hulse,  Clarence  E.  Ottawa:  plumber;  created  Feb.  12. 
1914. 

Leverich,  William  K.  Ottawa:  machinist:  created  Feb. 
5,  1914:  Standard  Bearer  1914-15;  Senior 
Warden   1915-16;    Captain  General   1916-17. 

Jordan,  Charles  E.  Marseilles  ;  Howe  &:  1  )avidson  press- 
man;  created  Feb.  5.  1914. 

Ten  Eyck,  George  E.  Marseilles;  postoffi.ee  clerk;  creat- 
ed April  2,  1914. 

Nelson,  George  C.  Marseilles;  merchant;  created  April 
2,  1914. 

Ford,  George  C.  Villisca,  la.;  tailoring-:  created  April 
30,  1914. 

McReynolds,  Claude  B.  Ottawa ;  salesman ;  affiliated 
July  2^,  1914;  demitted  March  11,  1915. 

Cowley,  William  G.  F.  Serena;  minister;  created  Sept. 
10,   19 1 4. 

Parks,  Albert  Henry.  Ottawa;  electric  engineer ;  creat- 
ed Sept.  24,  19T4. 


44-'  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

Sahlberg,  Walfred  C.  Chicago;  accountant;  affiliated 
Sept.  24,  19 1 4. 

Gay,  Straw  x  Aldrich.  Ottawa:  architect:  created  Dec. 
3,  1914. 

Scoffern,  Robert  F.  Ottawa;  manager  Pioneer  Fire- 
proof Construction  Co.;  created  Dec.  17. 
[914;    Standard  Bearer  1915-16. 

Morris,  John  Thomas.  Ottawa.  111.;  salesman:  created 
Jan.   14.   1915. 

I  lot; ansox,  Talbert  L.  R.  Ottawa:  automobiles  and 
garage:   created  Feb.  4.  1915. 

Mers,  Walter  Ray.     Ottawa:    salesman:   created  Feb.  4, 

1915. 
Eichelberger,    Clifford   C.      Ottawa;     farmer;      created 

Feb.  11.  1915;   Sword  Bearer  1915-16. 

Briggs,  Robert  J.  W.     Chicago;   veterinary;  created  Feb. 

20.  1915. 
Harden/ William  A.     Ottawa:  electrician:  created  April 

1.  [915. 
Harrington,  Bert.     Des  Moines,  la.;  traveling'  salesman: 

created  April   1  5,   igi  5. 

Ott.  John.     Ottawa;    bricklayerj    created   May  2-,   1015. 

De   Lapp,    Floyd   M.     Ottawa;     Illinois    Valley     Printing 

Co.;    created  Sept.  23,    1015 :    Sword  Bearer 

0)1(1-17. 
Springhorn,  William  11.     Ottawa;  meat  market ;  created 

Sept.  9,  [915. 
Edgcomb,  John    Harold.     Ottawa;    physician;    affiliated 

Sept.  23,   [915;    acting  Warder   0)10-17. 

BrandenberG;  Harry  (I.  Serena:  farmer;  created  Sept. 
30,  1915. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  443 

Ehly,   Herbert.     Ottawa;    blacksmith;    created  Oct.   T4. 

1915. 
Ford.   Thomas     R.     Ottawa ;    superintendent    Gas.     Co. ; 

created  Oct.  21,  19 15. 

Dale,    Benjamin    E.     Joliet ;    printer ;    created   Oct.    28, 

I9I5- 

Keeler,  Fred  Smith.     Ottawa;  jeweler;  created  Nov.  18, 

i9J5- 
Lindsay,  Frank  J.     Grand  Ridge;   grain;  created  Dec.  2, 

1915. 
Kxaim',    Collins   E.     Ottawa;    retired;    created   Dec.   2, 

1915. 
Briggs,  Charles  Arthur.     Ottawa;    minister;    affiliated 

Dec.  9,   [915;    Prelate  1916-17. 

Yentzer,  Frank  George.  Ottawa;  telegraph  operator; 
created  Nov.   11,  1915. 

Leipold,  Lester  \Y.     Ottawa;  clerk;  created  Dec.  9,  191 5. 

Manning,  James  C.  South  Haven,  Mich.;  civil  engineer; 
created  Jan.  6,  1916;    Warder  1916-17. 

Conde,  Harry  W.  Ottawa :  automobiles ;  created  Dec. 
23,  1915.' 

Ledricii,  August.  Ottawa;  carpenter;  created  Dec.  30, 
1 91 5- 

Ebright,  Francis  S.  Marseilles;  merchant;  created  Dec. 
30,  191 5. 

Mercer,  Edward  Z.  Ottawa;  traveling  salesman;  affili- 
ated March  9,  19 16. 

Watts,  Clarence  M.  Ottawa;  farmer:  created  March 
23,  1916. 

Gleim,  John  Charles.  Ottawa;  Deputy  Circuit  Clerk; 
created  April  6,  1916. 


444  THE    KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 

Fruland,  Nels  Albert.  Ottawa;  automobiles;  created 
May  6,    [916. 

Markeson,  Ami  Manuel  Ottawa;  retired:  created  May 
6,  [916;  died  April  5,  n> 1 7 :  buried  with 
Templar  honors. 

Claus,  Edward  R.  Ottawa;  King  &  Hamilton  Co. ;  creat- 
ed May  6,  [91 6. 

Ci.Ais.  Carl  F.  Ottawa;  King  &  Hamilton  Co.;  created 
May  6,   1916. 

Cullen,  Charles  S.  Ottawa;  lawyer;  ex-State's  Attor- 
ney;   created  May  9.  1916. 

Clapper,  Lewis  H.     Ottawa:    merchant:    created  May  9, 

1916. 
Levy.  Leox  Frank.     Ottawa;    druggist;    created  May  9, 

19 1 6. 
Sieffert,  Oscar  A.     Ottawa:  bank  clerk;  created  May  9, 

K)  1 6. 
Grimes,  Wilbur.     Ottawa;    insurance:    created   May    iS. 

1 9 1 6. 
Kile,  Arthur  M.     Ottawa:     dentist:    created    May    18. 

1916. 

McLeod,  Donald  John.     Ottawa:  superintendent ;  created 

May  2j,  19 if). 

Beem,  Fred  C.     Ottawa;   manager  United  Telephone  Co.; 

created  May  2j,  19 16. 

Randall,  Leslie  E.  Ottawa  :  traveling-  salesman  :  created 
Nov.  23,  1 9 16. 

Kxowles.  Frederick  S.  Ottawa:  foundry  and  machin- 
ery;  created  Dec.  7,  [916. 

Weise,  Sidney  W.  Ottawa;  floor  manager;  created  Dec. 
14,    H)\(k 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  445 

Hartshorn,   Walter    B.     Ottawa;    accountant;    created 

Jan.  4,   1917. 
Lindemann,  Walter  C.     Ottawa;   lineman;   created  Jan. 

11,   1917- 


44^  'HE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 


HOPEi. 

What  song  is  well  sung  not  of  sorrow? 

What  triumph  well  won  without  pain? 
What  virtue  shall  be,  and  not  borrow 

Bright  luster  from  many  a  stain? 

What  birth  has  there  been  without  travail? 

What  battle   well   won  without  blood? 
What  good  shall  earth  see  without  evil 

Ingarnered  as  chaff  with  the  good? 

Lo!  the  Cross  set  in  rocks  by  the  Roman, 
And  nourished  by  the  blood  of  the  lamb. 

And  watered  by  tears  of  the  woman, 
Has  flourished,  has  spread  like  a  palm. 

Has  spread  in  the  frosts  and  far  regions 
Of  snows  in  the  North,  and  South  sands, 

Where  never  the  tramp  of  his  legions 
Was  heard,  or  reached  forth  his  red  hands. 

Be  thankful,  the  price  and  the  payment, 
The  birth,  the  privations  and  scorn, 

The  Cross,  and  the  parting  of  raiment, 

Are  finished.     The  stars  brought  us  morn. 

Look  starward;  stand  far  and  unearthly, 
Free-souled  as  a  banner  unfurled. 

Be   worthy,    O   brother,   be   worthy! 
For  a  God  was  the  price  of  the  world. 

— Joaquin   Miller. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  447 


THE  APOSTASY  OF  JUDAS  ESCARIOT. 

Then  one  of  the  twelve,  called  Judas  tscariot,  went  unto 
the  chief  priests,  and  said  unto  them,  What  will  ye  give  me, 
and  I  will  deliver  him  unto  you?  And  they  covenanted  with 
him  tor  thirty  pieces  of  silver.  And  from  that  time  he 
sought  opportunity  to  betray  him.  Now  the  first  day  of 
the  feast  of  the  unleavened  bread,  the  disciples  came  to 
Jesus,  saving  unto  him,  where  wilt  thou  that  we  prepare  for 
thee  to  eat  the  passover?  And  he  said,  do  into  the  city  to 
such  a  man,  and  say  unto  him,  The  master  sayeth,  My  time 
is  at  hand;  I  will  keep  the  passover  at  thy  house  with  my 
disciples.  And  the  disciples  did  as  Jesus  had  appointed 
them,  and  they  made  ready  the  passover.  Now  when  the 
even  was  come,  he  sat  down  with  the  twelve.  And  as  they 
did  eat,  he  said,  Verily  1  say  unto  you,  that  one  of  you 
shall  betray  me.  And  they  were  exceedingly  sorrowful, 
and  began  every  one  of  them  to  say  unto  him,  Lord  is  it  I  ? 
And  he  answered  and  said,  He  that  dippeth  his  hands  with 
me  in  the  dish,  the  same  shall  betray  me.  The  Son  of  man 
goeth,  as  it  is  written  of  him;  but  woe  unto  that  man  by 
whom  the  Son  of  Man  is  betrayed!  It  had  been  good  for 
that  man  if  he  had  not  been  born.  Then  Judas,  which  be- 
trayed him,  answered  and  said,  Master,  is  it  1  ?  He  said 
unto  him.  Thou  hast  said. — Matt,  xxvi.,  14-25. 


44* 


Til 


KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR. 


£5-5 

•-  Z  a) 

n       a- 

—  gd  be 


~~7 

■a*  s 

h  os  sa 

r-,'  "*"  •—  0/ 

r-  •-   «  E 

<MG  1 

•r-  o  ^ 


O  O   it  -~ 

IV,  S-,    t-.    0) 

~  a  o  x 

S3  a>  o  — 


=  c" 


•-  f  ft  tt 

a.  ^  •    c 
o  2  E-  ~ 


.5  re  o>  > 

M  a.  » 

■h    r!   B   » 

t~  "^  o>  i 
o      o  .z; 

-    O   01  — 

S^73  o 

b  at: 

S2So 

C    C  •"  5 
i.    1    '/.  « 

rj   ai  _f  Q 

1^"  * 

2  r.  >:  M 
hO  <tf  ^  ft 


—  ■* '- 


/!NCE! 


The  window  in  the  sunshine  and  the  empty  chair 
beside  it, 
The   loneliness   that   mocks   me   as   I   find   the 
sacred  place — 
O,  mother,  is  there  naught  in  the  unerring  speech 
of  silence 
To  let  me  know  your  presence,  though  I  cannot 
see  your  face? 

— Grace  Duffield  Goodwin. 


TN'AAEMORJAM 


t^mr 


InHocl 


Cfc! 


WITH  REVERENCE 

WE  DEDICATE  THIS  PAGE 

TO  THE  MEMORY 

OF 
OUR  MOTHERS. 


■A4EMORIAM 


A22gj 


1_^> 


mo*' 


f '  I 


If 


ese  Pages 
ed  to  the  Memory  of 
OUR  TEMPLAR  DEAD. 


By  the  deep  booming  of  the  Templar  knell, 
By  the  slow  march  that  endeth  with  the  grave, 
By  funeral  badge,  and  sign,  and  sorrowful  brow, 
We  mark  a  Templar  fallen. 


IN  vV\E/v\ORJA/\4 


fv!NCES 


William  Hervy  Lamme  Wallace April  10, 1862 

Philo  Lindley June  25,  1864 

Thoman  E.  G.  Ransom Oct.  29, 1864 

George  S.  Stebbins  Nov.  29, 1867 

Samuel  C.  Walker Oct.  24,  1869 

.1  alius  C.  Avery Nov.  22, 1870 

Charles   P.  Clark Dec.  26, 1870 

Oliver  Cromwell  Gray July  31,  1871 

Edward  L.  Herrick April  11,  1876 

James  N.  Colwell Oct.  10,  1876 

William  H.  Moore Dec.  .  .,  1876 

Charles  H.  Gilman  April  14,  1880 

Patrick  Ryan June  13,  1881 

John  J.  DeMotte Jan.  .  .,  1881 

Lothrop  Perkins Sept.  17,  1884 

Washington    Bushnell June  30,  1885 

Robert  M.  McArthur Aug.  12, 1886 

Corydon  C.  Halladay Oct.  10,  1886 

John  Francis  Cleave March    4, 1887 

Asa  Mann  Hoffman May    4,  1887 

John   Lewis    Summers July  14,  1888 


TN    AAE/\AOR!A/V\ 


iVlNCES 


Justus  Harris Nov.  27,  1888 

E.  Follett  Bull Dec.    4,  1888 

Thomas  Reedy March    4,  1889 

Augustus  H.  Jennings ' Jan.  12,  1892 

Frederick  W.  Gray May    6, 1893 

Albert  Atwood  Colley Aug.  16,  1894 

Charles  Henry  Steen Dec.  20, 1894 

Thomas  Coxy  Fullerton Aug.    2,  1894 

David  Robbins  Gregg March  23, 1895 

John  Brooks  Rice Feb.  24, 1896 

Austin   V.    Mitchell Oct.    1,  1896 

Arthur   Lockwood Nov.  18,  1896 

David   Batcheller Dec.  28,  1896 

Robert  Courtney  Myer .• May    3,  189S 

Edward  Clark  Modes March  15,  1899 

Jacob  W.  Moon March  IS,  1900 

James  Rhoads April  18,  1900 

Charles  A.  Wiley May    6,  1900 

William   Hayes    Lukins May  18,  1900 

Clarence  E.  Tryon July  io,  1900 


IN  V\/\EAAORfAAA 


Winces 


George  A.  Wilmarth May    .".. 

Edgar  Goodrich  Dyer Aug.  19, 

Israel  C.  Cope Feb.    2, 

John  Stewart  Ryburn Sept.  21, 

Charles  ,1.  Vockey Dec.  27, 

Calvin    D.    Phillips Aug.    6, 

Edward  A.  Nattinger .  . ' Sept.    1, 

Ezekiel    Howiand Sept.  29, 

John  M.  Purrucker Oct.  25, 

Julius  A.  Freeman May    8, 

William    Stormont Oct.  12, 

Edward  A.  Graves Jan.    1. 

Daniel  Charles  Mills May    2, 

John  R.  Cameron May  22, 

Douglas    Hapeman June    5, 

David  Alpheus  Cook Sept.  21, 

William  C.  Hall Jan.  22 

Louis  Scheidecker March    6 

Clark  Brading  Provins June    4 

Samuel     Richolson. June  24, 


1901 
1901 
1902 


1902 
1903 
1903 
1903 
1903 
1904 
1904 
1905 
1905 
1905 
1905 
1905 
1906 
1906 
1906 
1906 


'-4£2~~ 


IN  -AAEMORIAAA 


V1NCES 


1 

Charles  Blanehard Oct.  31,  1906 

David  H.  Slagle March    8, 1907 

Charles  Christian  Modes Dec.  17, 1907 

Alexander    Hanna May  24, 1908 

Samuel  S.  Pearson Nov.  21, 1908 

Edwin  T.  Reed Nov.  22, 190S 

Frederick  A.  Peebles Dec.  13, 1908 

Joseph  Newton  Dunaway Jan.    9,  1909 

George  C.   Borchsenius Feb.  24,  1909 

Charles   Schaulin May  10,  1909 

Berkley  Gillett  Barrett April  27, 1910 

Sylvanus  S.  Thompson April  27,  1910 

Samuel  Hood May  14,  1910 

Francis  Lyman  Fisk July  25,  1910 

Rezin  N.  Thompson May    7, 1911 

Louis   Rohrer June  28, 1911 

Camillus    McClure Aug.  19,  1911 

Theodore  C.  Gibson Sept.  23,  1911 

Benjamin  Franklin  Trumbo Nov.    8,  1911 

Wilson   Conard Dec.  15,  1911 


IN  'A4EA40RIAA4 


*>>» 


Ebenesser  Barber Aug.  30, 

Royal  E.  Willsey Jan.    1, 

John  Fisk  Nash July    6 

John   Stout Oct.  21 

Walter  David  Strawn Dec.    4 

Edward  Henry  Smith Jan.    3 

Joshua  P.   Rodgers Feb.    1 

Irving  H.  Trowbridge March  10 

Emil  J.   Hoffman Sept.    5 

Henry  C.  Miller   Dec.  12 

Walter  Briggs  Titus June  20 

Joseph  Allison Sept.    1 

William  Holland  Sindel May  30 

George  H.  Ahlborn Jan.  11 

Celestine  Rohrer March    3 

William  Robert  Maxwell Sept.  25 

Simon  Conrad  Geiger Jan.  23 

William  Henry  Oilman Feb.  17 

Albert  Thomas  Lardin March  31 

Ami  Manuel  Markeson  April    5 


1912 

1913 
1913 
1913 
1913 
1914 
1914 
1914 
1914 
1914 
1915 
1915 
1915 
1916 
1916 
1916 
1917 
1917 
1917 
1917 


rM'MEMORIAM 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  457 


THE  CRUCIFIXION. 

When  Pilate  saw  that  he  could  prevail  nothing-,  but 
rather  a  tumult  was  made,  he  took  water  and  washed  his 
hands  before  the  multitude,  saying.  1  am  innocent  of  the 
blood  of  this  just  person;  see  ye  to  it.  Then  answered  all 
the  people  and  said,  His  blood  be  on  us,  and  on  our  children. 
Then  released  he  Barabbas  unto  them;  and  when  he  had 
scourged  Jesus,  he  delivered  him  to  be  crucified.  Then  the 
soldiers  of  the  governor  took  Jesus  into  the  common  hall, 
and  gathered  unto  him  the  whole  hand  of  soldiers.  And 
they  stripped  him,  and  put  <  n  him  a  scarlet  robe.  And 
when  they  had  platted  a  crown  of  thorns,  they  put  it  upon 
his  head,  and  a  reed  in  his  right  hand;  and  they  bowed 
the  knee  before  him,  and  mocked  him,  saying.  Mail,  king 
of  the  jews!  And  they  spit  upon  him,  and  took-  the  reed 
and  smote  him  on  the  head.  And  after  that  they  had  mocked 
him,  they  took  the  robe  off  from  him  and  put  his  own 
raiment  on  him,  and  led  him  away  to  crucify  him.  And  as 
they  came  out  they  found  a  man  of  Cyrene,  Simon  by  name  ; 
him  they  compelled  to  hear  his  cross.  (And  when  they  had 
come  unto  a  place  called  Golgotha,  that  is  to  say,  a  place  of 
a  skull,  they  gave  him  vinegar  to  drink,  mingled  with  gall, 
and  when  he  had  tasted  thereof  he  would  not  drink'.  And 
they  crucified  him.  and  parted  his  garments,  casting  lots. 
And  sitting  down,  they  watched  him  there;  and  set  up  over 
his  head  his  accusation  written:  This  is  Jesus  the  King  of 
the  Jews.] — Matt:  xxvil,  24-38. 


458  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 


THE  RESURRECTION. 

In  the  end  of  the  Sabbath,  as  it  began  to  dawn  toward 
the  first  day  of  the  week,  came  Mary  Magdalene  and  the 
other  Mary  to  see  the  sepulcher.  And,  behold,  there  was  a 
great  earthquake:  for  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  descended  from 
I  leaven,  and  came  and  rolled  back  the  stone  from  the  door, 
and  sat  upon  it.  His  countenance  was  like  lightning",  and 
His  raiment  white  as  snow:  And  for  fear  of  Him  the 
keepers  did  shake,  and  become  as  dead  men.  And  the  angel 
answered  and  said  unto  the  woman.  Fear  not  ye;  for  I  know- 
that  ye  seek  Jesus,  which  was  crucified.  He  is  not  here;  for 
lie  is  risen,  as  He  said.  Come,  see  the  place  where  the 
Lord  lay  :  and  go  quickly,  and  tell  His  disciples  that  Lie 
is  risen  from  the  dead;  and,  behold,  lie  goeth  before  yon 
into  Galilee;  there  shall  ye  see  Him:  lo,  I  have  told  you. 
And  they  departed  quickly  from  the  sepulcher  with  fear  and 
great  joy,  and  did  run  to  bring  His  disciples  word.  And 
as  they  went  to  tell  His  disciples,  behold,  Jesus  met  them, 
saving,  All  hail!  And  they  came  and  held  Him  by  the  feet, 
and  wni-shippcd  Him.  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Be  not 
afraid:  go  tell  My  brethren  that  they  go  into  Galilee,  and 
there  shall  they  see  Me. — AIatt.  x.wiii,  i-io. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  45Q 


THE  ELECTION  OF  MATTHIAS. 

And  in  those  days  Peter  stood  up  in  the  midst  of  the 
disciples  and  said  (the  number  of  the  names  together  were 
about  an  hundred  and  twenty  ),  Men  and  brethren,  this  Scrip- 
ture must  needs  have  been  fulfilled,  which  the  Holy  (most, 
by  the  mouth  of  David,  spake  before,  concerning  Judas, 
which  was  guide  to  them  that  took  Jesus.  For  he  was  num- 
bered with  us,  and  had  obtained  a  part  of  this  ministry. 
Now  this  man  purchased  a  held  with  the  reward  of  his  in- 
iquity; and,  falling  headlong,  he  burst  asunder  in  the  midst, 
and  all  his  bowels  gushed  out.  And  it  was  known  unto  all 
the  dwellers  at  Jerusalem;  insomuch  as  that  field  is  called 
in  their  proper  tongue,  Aceldama,  that  is  to  say,  the  held  of 
blood.  For  it  is  written  in  the  Book  of  Psalms,  Let  his 
habitation  be  desolate,  and  no  man  dwell  therein;  and  his 
bishopric  let  another  take.  Wherefi  re,  of  these  men  which 
have  companied  with  us  all  the  time  that  the  Lord  Jesus 
went  in  and  out  among  us,  beginning  from  the  baptism  of 
John,  unto  that  same  day  that  he  was  taken  up  from  us, 
must  one  be  ordained  to  be  a  witness  with  us  of  his  resur- 
rection. And  the_\-  appointed  two,  Joseph,  called  Barsabas, 
who  was  surnamed  Justus,  and  Matthias.  And  they  prayed 
and  said.  Thou,  Lord,  which  knowest  the  hearts  oi  all  men, 
shew  whether  of  these  two  thou  hast  chosen,  that  he  may 
take  part  of  this  ministry  and  apostleship,  from  which  Judas 
by  transgression  fell,  that  be  might  go  to,  his  own  place. 
And  they  gave  forth  their  lots;  and  the  lot  fell  upon  Mat- 
thias; and  he  was  numbered  with  the  eleven  apostles. — 
Acts  i.  15-26. 


4^0  THE    KNIGHTS   TI.MI'I.Nk. 


THE  UNBELIEF  OF  THOMAS. 

But  Thomas,  one  of  the  twelve,  called  Didymus,  was 
not  with  them  when  Jesus  came.  The  other  disciples,  there- 
fore said  unto  him.  We  have  seen  the  Lord.  But  he  said 
unto  them,  Except  I  shall  see  in  his  hands  the  print  of  the 
nails,  and  put  my  linger  into  the  print  of  the  nails,  and 
thrust  my  hand  into  his  side,  1  will  not  believe.  And  after 
eight  days,  .again  his  disciples  were  within,  and  Thomas  with 
them.  Then  came  Jesus,  the  doors  being  shut,  and  stood 
in  the  midst,  and  said  Peace  be  with  you.  Then  said  he  to 
Thomas,  Reach  hither  thy  ringer,  and  behold  my  hands:  and 
reach  hither  thy  hand,  and  thrust  it  into  my  side;  and  he  not 
faithless,  but  believing.  And  Thomas  answered  and  said 
unto  him,  My  Lord  and  my  God. — John  xx.  24-28. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  46 1 

BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


Sir  Oliver  Cromwell  Gray. 

First  Eminent  Commander  Under  Dispensation, 

Ottawa  Commandery. 

Sir  Oliver  Cromwell  Gray  descended  from  an  old  Eng- 
lish family  of  the  same  name,  of  which  Thomas  Gray,  poet 
and  author  of  the  "Elegy  in  a  Country  Churchyard,"  was  a 
branch.  His  father  was  David  Gray,  the  author  of  several 
poems,  among  which  is  "The  Golden  Wedding." 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  also  the  author  of  several 
most  beautiful  poems.  One  who  knew  Sir  Gray,  in  a  finely 
written  review,  under  the  head  of  "Gossip  With  the  Poets," 
thus  spoke  of  him  : 

"We  need  not  confine  ourselves  to  standard  works  to 
find  the  ring  of  the  true  metal.  What  may  be  called  a  per- 
fect verse  is  haunting  our  memory  now,  from  the  'Song  of 
the  Cable,'  by  Gray,  of  Ottawa: 

'Drop  me  down  in  the  deep,  while  the  sea  is  asleep, 
And  a  spell  is  upon  the  tide.' 

"The  same  writers  says  in  the  'Sea  Coral's  Dream' : 

'Upward  build  through  sea-green  portals, 
Lost  Atlantis — home  for  mortals — 
Occidental  elfin  island,  such  as  loomed  on  Plato's  sight ; 
An  August  domain  for  races — 
Tenants  of  life's  hid  oasis; 
Let  the  base  be  laid  in  silence,  let  the  summit  rest  in  light!' 

"We  could  wish  this  sedate  man  would  bend  oftener  to 
the  lyre  when  such  strains  flow  from  his  touch." 

Sir  Oliver  C.  Gray  was  admitted  to  practice  law  in  1841 
at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  continued  in  the  practice  until  war 
was  declared  with  Mexico.  At  this  time  he  was  first  lieu- 
tenant of  the  Jefferson  Grays,  of  Steubenville,  Ohio,  and  left 
with  the  organization  for  the  seat  of  war. 


4^2 


THE    KNIGHTS    TKMl'LAR, 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  GRAY. 
Eminent  Commander  Ottawa  Conimandery,  U.  D.,  1861. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  463 

During-  the  continuance  of  the  war  with  Mexico  he 
served  as  adjutant  of  the  Third  Ohio  regiment,  commanded 
by  Samuel  R.  Curtis,  afterwards  Governor  of  Iowa,  and 
during  the  civil  war  Major  General  of  volunteers. 

Sir  Gray  came  to  Ottawa  in  1853  and  entered  into  a  law 
partnership  with  Washington  Bushnell,  and  later  was  senior 
member  of  the  law  firm  of  Gray,  Avery  &  Bushnell,  the 
strongest  firm  of  practitioners  that  ever  graced  the  bar  of 
La  Salle  county.  In  [868  Sir  Gray  was  nominated  for  Con- 
gress by  the  Democratic  party,  and  ran  against  the  Him. 
B.  C.  Cook,  and,  although  the  district  was  strongly  Repub- 
lican, he  was  defeated  by  only  a  small  majority. 

A  complete  biographical  sketch  of  Oliver  Cromwell 
Gray,  reciting  his  student  life  in  Ohio,  his  services  in  the 
Mexican  war,  his  adventurous  career  in  California  in  the 
early  stages  of  the  gold  excitement,  and  then  all  his  trials 
and  triumphs  as  a  leading  lawyer  at  the  local  and  Supreme 
Court  bar  of  Illinois,  would  he  of  absorbing  interest,  and 
we  regret  that  we  cannot  afford  space,  which  would  require 
a  volume  of  itself. 

Sir  Gray  affiliated  with  Occidental  Lodge,  No.  40,  A.  F. 
&  A.  M.,  in  1854,  and  was  elected  Master  the  same  year. 
Was  charter  member  and  High  Priest,  under  dispensation, 
of  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37,  R.  A.  M.,  Ottawa,  111.,  [856- 
^7.  and  was  one  of  the  promoters  and  charter  members  of 
Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  10,  Knights  Templar,  and  was 
the  Eminent  Commander  while  working  under  dispensation. 
He  demitted  from  the  Commandery  February  _\  1860,  and 
passed  to  his  reward  July  31,  1871,  and  was  buried  with 
Masonic  honors. 

Tresdav  morning,  August  1,  1871,  the  day  following 
the  death  of  Mr.  Gray,  the  announcement  of  his  death  was 
made  in  the  Circuit  Court  at  Ottawa.  There  was  a  large 
attendance  of  the  bar  as  well  as  many  promient  citizens. 


4r»4  TIIK    KNICHTS   TEMPLARj 

[mmediately  after  Judge  Leland  had  taken  his  seat  upon 
the  bench  the  Hon.  Washington  Bushnell  addressed  the 
ct  nirt  as  t"(  illows  : 

"If  the  court  please:  It  has  fallen  to  my  sad  lot  within 
the  last  few  months  to  announce  to  this  court  the  death  of 
Julius  Avery,  a  member  of  this  bar,  who  for  long-  years  was 
a  partner  of  mine,  as  well  as  the  death  of  William  C.  Tear- 
son,  a  former  student  of  ours,  who  for  lung'  rears  was  in  our 
office,  the  death  of  both  of  whom  we  mourn.  It  now  he- 
comes  my  solemn  tint}'  to  announce  to  your  honor,  and  to 
this  bar,  the  death  of  Oliver  C.  Gray. 

"For  ewer  fourteen  years  myself  and  Mr.  Grav  were 
partners  in  the  practice  of  law.  For  these  fourteen  years  I 
have  to  say  that  there  was  not  a  word  of  unkindness  spoken 
between  us. 

"I  don't  helieve  that  any  unkind  feeling-  ever  existed  be- 
tween Mr.  Gray.  Mr.  Avery  and  myself  during  the  time  we 
were  partners  together.  Mr.  Gray  was  an  active  practitioner 
of  the  law.  lie  was  a  man  of  energy,  always  at  his  post  of 
duty.  Mis  countenance  was  familiar  to  us  and  to  the  com- 
munity and  to  all  those  who  were  in  the  habit  of  assembling 
in  this  court-room,  lie  will  he  missed  by  your  honor;  he 
will  he  missed  and  deplored  by  members  of  this  bar.  and  by 
all  parties  litigant  in  this  court.  As  a  clear-headed  lawyer, 
as  a  social  and  agreeable  intellectual  companion,  it  may  he 
possible  to  supplv  his  place,  but  it  will  he  very  difficult  to  do 
so.  I  need  not  say  that  Mr.  Gray  was  a  remarkable  man. 
Remarkable  in  the  brilliancy  of  his  conversational  powers; 
remarkable  as  an  intellectual  man;  remarkable  as  a  lawyer 
in  all  the  departments  of  the  profession.  lie  had  perhaps 
equals  in  all  departments  of  the  law,  but  if  he  had  superiors, 
they  were  indeed  few,  either  here  or  elsewhere.  Kind  in  his 
practice,  true  in  all  his  professional  engagements,  like  all  the 
rest  of  us,  in  the  moment  of  heat,  in  the  moment  of  excite- 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  465 

merit,  he  may  possibly  have  sometimes  erred,  but  if  he  did 
he  was  always  prompt,  when  the  moment  of  excitement  had 
passed  away,  to  make  full  and  complete  amends  for  all  that 
he  had  done  that  could  he  said  to  he  unjust.  For  this  Mr. 
Gray  was  remarkable.  'To  err  is  human  ;  to  forgive,  divine." 
"Mr.  Gray  was  a  man  whose  intellect  was  not  confined 
within  the  practice  of  the  law.  His  mind  was  cultivated  in 
all  the  various  fields  of  intellect.  He  was  at  home  in  the 
law.  at  home  in  mental  philosophy,  at  home  in  the  various 
languages — they  were  all  familiar  to  him.  I  know  that 
many  of  us,  indeed  the  most  of  us,  went  to  Mr.  Gray  to 
consult  him  as  a  student  does  to  Webster's  dictionary.  In 
all  branches  of  literature  his  mind  was  highly  cultivated; 
his  memory  was  seldom,  if  ever,  at  fault.  We  have  learned 
many  lessons  from  him.  He  is  gone!  We  shall  go  to  him, 
hut  he  will  not  return  to  us!  By  the  decree  of  an  unalterable 
natural  law  he  passed  away.  We  who  have  seen  him 
here  shall  see  him  no  more.  Mr.  Gray  was  a  man  whose 
intellect  was  firm,  grasping,  and  unyielding.  When  he  met 
a  man  in  legal  controversy  he  met  him  as  upon  the  held  of 
battle.  It  was  a  strife  the  very  moment  he  entered  this 
court-room.  The  blade  of  the  intellect  was  ever  keen  and 
sharp;  his  mind  was  grasping,  his  determination  endless; 
he  would  struggle  and  struggle  when  other  memhers  of  the 
bar  would  apparently  he  discouraged:  he  fought  nobly  with 
his  antagonist.  He  never  will  again!  He  has  had  man)-  a 
stern  conflict  here;  he  has  met  many  a  shrewd,  keen  and  re- 
lentless advocate  in  this  room.  He  has  finally  met  an  ad- 
versary stronger  and  more  powerful  than  he  had  ever  met 
before.  The  grasp  of  his  intellect  and  his  physical  nerve 
have  had  to  yield  to  a  power  superior  to  his  own.  The 
word  was  given,  Mr.  Gray  yielded;  after  victories,  he  is  no 
longer  a  victor;  death  has  become  his  victor.  Feace  to  his 
ashes.     Long  may  his  memory  live;  long  may  the  work  of 


466  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

his  intellect  survive,  and  may  it  be  said  of  us,  as  it  will  be 
said  oi  Gray,  'He  was  an  ornament  to  society  and  an  orna- 
ment to  his  profession!'  Ever  industrious,  ever  hard  work- 
ing, ever  seeking  to  develop  and  aid  the  members  of  the 
legal  profession,  lie  was  willing  to  assist  even  the  younger 
members  oi  the  bar,  to  cheer  them,  to  encourage  them,  and 
to  give  them  freely  information  which  had  accrued  to  him 
from  long  years  of  labor  and  study.  1  do  not  think  that 
any  cue  ewer  approached  Oliver  C.  Gray  and  asked  him  for 
assistance,  or  information,  or  advice,  but  that  he  gave  it  most 
cheerfully  and  gladly,  except  when  it  would  tend  to  reveal 
some  of  the  features  of  his  own  case.  I  say  he  was  kind. 
particularly  so  was  he  to  the  younger  members  of  the  bar, 
his  bearing  towards  the  younger  members  was  always  kind, 
indulgfent  and  forbeariner." 


Sir  William  Hervy  Lam  ml  Wallace. 

Born  at  Urbana,  Ohio,  July  8,  [82]  ;  killed  at  battle  of 
Shiloh  April   10,  1862. 

Sir  Wallace  came  with  his  parents  to  Illinois  in  1834, 
first  locating  in  Deer  Park.  La  Salle  county.  Illinois.  In 
[845  he  came  to  Ottawa  and  entered  as  a  student  of  law 
in  the  office  of  T.  Lvle  Dickey. 

At  the  breaking  out  of  the  Mexican  war,  in  184(1,  he 
enlisted  as  a  private  in  a  company  raised  by  Col.  Dickey 
in  Ottawa,  and  on  the  organization  of  the  campaign  was 
made  orderly  sergeant,  hut  was  soon  promoted  to  third  lieu- 
tenant, and  finally  to  the  position  of  adjutant  of  Col.  Har- 
din's regiment.  He  distinguished  himself  at  the  battle  of 
Buena  Vista  by  his  bravery  and  heroism.  At  the  close  of 
the  Mexican  war  Sir  Wallace  resumed  his  studies  in  the 
office  of  Col  Dickey,  whose  daughter  he  subsequently  mar- 


HISTORY  Oh'  OTTAWA  CUMMANDERY, 


467 


GENERAL   WILLIAM   HERVY   LAMME  WALLACE, 
Captain  General  Ottawa  Comrnandery,  U.  D.,  1861. 
Killed  in  battle  of  Pittsburg  Landing  April  10,  1862. 


468  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

ried.  (  )f  his  career  as  an  attorney  it  is  sufficient  to  say  that 
it  was  eminently  honorable  and  successful.  On  the  break- 
ing out  of  the  rebellion  he  was  invited  to  command  the 
Eleventh  regiment  of  Illinois  volunteers.  He  cheerfully 
yielded  to  the  call  of  his  companions  in  arms  and  gave  him- 
self to  his  country. 

For  his  bravery  at  Fort  Donelson  he  was  commissioned 
Brigadier  General,  and  for  distinguished  services  he  was  ad- 
vanced to  act  as  Major  General  just  before  the  battle  of 
Pittsburg  Landing.  At  this  battle  he  bore  himself  nobly  and 
safely  through  perils  of  that  unlooked-for  and  overwhelming 
assault  on  Sunday  till  about  4  p.  m.  Finding  his  division 
liable  to  be  flanked  on  either  side  he  had  just  given  com- 
mand to  his  brigade  commanders  "to  fall  back  steadily." 
and  while  overseeing  its  execution  the  fatal  messenger 
sealed  his  lips  in  silence. 

The  ball  passed  from  near  the  top  of  the  left  ear  along 
the  temple,  taking  in  its  exit  the  left  eye.  He  disengaged 
his  feet,  as  if  to  dismount,  and  fell  to  the  ground.  He  was 
supposed  to  be  dead.  His  brother-in-law.  Lieutenant  C.  E. 
Dickey,  and  two  men  bore  him  tenderly  after  his  retreating 
columns  till  the  hard  pressure  of  the  foe  obliged  them  to 
leave  him  on  the  field.  The  next  day  our  troops  recovered 
the  held  and  found  him  unconscious,  but  alive,  his  pockets 
rifled  and  a  blanket  tossed  over  him.  He  was  immediately 
transferred  to  Savannah,  Term.,  to  the  care  of  his  wife,  who 
had  arrived  the  day  previous  on  a  visit,  but  as  yet  had  not 
seen  him.  A  slight  return  of  consciousness,  an  occasional 
smiling  recognition  of  his  companion  in  sorrow,  and  at  last 
a  motion  of  his  linger  pointing  her  to  the  peaceful  Heaven 
above  were  his  last  acts.  The  very  last  acts,  coupled  with 
bis  >olemn  written  resolve  after  bis  seemingly  providential 
deliverance  at  Donelson.  to  this  effect.  "For  this  almost 
miraculous  preservation  of  my  life  amid  such  dangers  I  am 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  469 

resolved  that  henceforth  all  I  am  shall  be  the  Lord's,"  leaves 
us  the  consolation  that  he  found  rest  in  Heaven. 

General  Wallace  was  universally  respected,  loved  by 
inan_\-,  naturally  noble  and  generous,  always  courteous;  his 
life,  in  most  respects  far  above  that  of  ordinary  men,  was 
a  model  of  manly  dignity  and  honor,  and  yet  of  engaging 
simplicity  and  unaffecting  modesty.  He  had  occupied  a 
prominent  position  in  La  Salle  county  and  held  a  high  place 
in  public  esteem. 

Sir  Wallace  was'raised  to  the  degree  of  Master  Mason 
in  Occidental  Lodge,  No.  40,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  in  [846,  and 
was  Master  of  the  lodge  in  [848  and  [849.  Was  exalted  to 
the  degree  of  Royal  Arch  in  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37,  R. 
A.  M..  July  17,  1856,  and  was  High  Priest  of  his  Chapter 
in  1859.  He  was  created  a  Knight  Templar  in  Blaney 
Commandery,  No.  5,  K.  T.,  Morris,  111.,  in  1858,  and  at  the 
time  Ottawa  Commander}'  was  organized  demitted  from 
Blaney  Commandery  and  was  a  charter  member  of  Ottawa 
Commandery,  No.  10,  K.  T.,  Ottawa,  111.,  and  the  Captain 
General  under  dispensation,  and  held  the  office  at  the  time 
of  his  death  on  the  held  of  battle. 

When  his  remains  were  brought  home  from  the  held 
of  battle  they  were  met  at  the  Rock  Island  depot,  at  Otta- 
wa, at  4  o'clock  a.  m.  Monday,  April  14th.  The  tolling  of 
the  church  bells  having  announced  the  hour  of  arrival,  the 
citizens  turned  out  en  masse  to  do  homage  to  his  memory. 
An  escort  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  Knights  Templar,  and  a 
delegation  of  citizens  accompanying  them  met  the  remains 
at  the  depot  and  accompanied  them  to  his  residence,  from 
■whence,  at  two  p.  m.,  they  were  laid  in  state  in  the  Supreme 
Court-house,  where  they  were  viewed  by  thousands  of  his 
friends  and  strangers.  Tuesday  morning,  attended  by  the 
Masonic  fraternity,  under  escort  of  Ottawa  Commandery. 
the  body  was  carried  to  the  Episcopal  church,  from  which, 


17" 


III  I      KNIGHTS   TKM  PLAR. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  \~\ 

after  appropriate  funeral  services,  it  was  taken  for  inter- 
ment to  the  family  burial  ground  of  Col.  Dickey,  near  his 
residence,  "The  Oaks,"  on  the  north  bluff,  and  deposited 
in  its  last  resting-  place  with  the  solemn  and  impressive  cere- 
monies of  the  Masonic  fraternity. 

"If  I  die  it  is  glory  enough  to  die  in  such  a  cause,  and 
furnish  no  reason  for  regret.  Alan  must  die  some  time,  and 
to  die  nobly  is  a  boon  granted  to  few."  [Gen.  Wallace's 
letter  to  his  wife.] 

We  ({note  the  following  from  Miss  Isabel  Wallace's 
"Life  and  Letters  of  General  YV.  H.  L,  Wallace": 

"On  Decoration  Day,  1874,  at  Ottawa,  the  Knights 
Templar  had  charge  of  the  day's  services,  which  were  im- 
pressive. In  the  afternoon  after  the  other  exercises  were 
finished  they  proceeded  to  the  grave  of  General  W.  II.  L. 
Wallace  on  the  bluff  near  bis  late  residence.  At  the  grave  the 
flowery  tribute  as  well  as  the  solemn  appearance  and  knight- 
ly hearing  of  the  Commandery  was  very  imposing.  Wreaths 
and  bouquets  were  placed  around  the  tomb  by  a  delegation 
1  if  ladies,  while  the  knights  so  placed  their  flowers  as  to 
form  a  cross  o'er  the  breast  of  their  illustrious  though  fallen 
comrade.  A  beautiful  white  cross  within  a  triangle  of  ewer- 
greens  rested  at  the  foot  of  the  grave  and  a  cross  and  crown 
decked  the  head  of  the  grave  of  the  departed  hero. 

"Then  Hon.  Washington  Bushnell  (a  knight)  gave  an 
eloquent  eulogy,  which  did  honor  to  the  heart  and  intellect 
of  the  living  friend,  no  less  than  the  dead  friend  eulogized: 

"  Tie  is  not  dead  but  sleepeth." 
'Yes,  "he  sleeps  the  sleep  that  knows  no  waking." 
Look  upon  his  grave!  Heboid  his  tomb,  but  do  not  imagine 
that  he  is  dead.  A  form  so  erect  and  manly  may  rest  in  the 
grave,  but  a  spirit  so  noble  cannot  die.  It  is  yet  abroad  work- 
ing for  good  purposes  and  ends.  Who  remembers  him  but 
as  kind  and  gentle,  vet  firm?     Exalted  in  his  manners  and 


472 


THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 


FLAG    OF    THE    ELEVENTH    ILLINOIS    INFANTRY    REGIMENT, 
NOW   IN   THE   LIBRARY   AT   "THE   OAKS." 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  473 

example,  and  pure  in  his  impulses?  Look  through  this  leafy 
grove.  Can  you  not  see  him  walking  from  that  front  door 
to  yonder  gate  with  form  erect,  counteance  beaming  with 
kindness  and  hashing  with  thought  and  intellect?  Be  not 
deceived,  for  looking  again  you  see  him  not,  for  here  he 
lies. 

'  'And  here  let  me  say  to  the  widowed  wife,  lay  aside 
your  grief,  forget  your  mourning,  for  what  woman  has  had 
bequeathed  to  her  a  legacy  so  rich  as  the  name  and  fame  of 
him  of  whom  I  speak,  and  who  yet  liveth  in  spirit  to  com- 
fort and  protect  you. 

'The  inanimate  form  which  his  tomb  confines  was  hut 
a  short  time  ago  the  abode  of  one  of  the  purest  patriotic 
hearts  that  ever  honored  our  land.  He  was  one  of  the  first 
to  volunteer  in  the  Mexican  war  and  won  unextinguishable 
honors  as  a  brave  officer  in  the  First  United  States  regi- 
ment. At  the  breaking  out  of  the  rebellion  he  was  the  first 
of  our  citizens  to  offer  his  services  to  the  government.  1 
need  not  detail  his  subsequent  career,  for  it  is  as  familiar  as 
a  household  word.  Mortally  wounded  upon  the  sixth  of 
April,  [862,  he  died  upon  the  tenth.  Pittsburg  Landing, 
how  hallowed  the  name,  how  glorious,  yet  how  sad,  the 
surroundings!  Whether  making  friends  in  the  social  circle, 
or  gathering  laurels  in  legal  contests;  whether  carrying  ma- 
terial upon  his  shoulder  up  the  bluff  to  beautify  an  early 
home,  or  wearing  upon  the  same  shoulder  the  glittering 
epaulets  upon  the  field  of  strife  and  carnage  to  victory  and 
ultimate  death,  yet  he  was  Wallace  ever,  he  was  Wallace 
still.  Oh!  how  the  hopes  of  true-hearted  friends  drooped, 
like  these  faded  flowers  upon  his  grave  as  they  heard  the 
mournful  news!  Around  his  tomb  to-day  are  thousands 
of  those  who  knew  him  best  and  loved  him  longest.  To 
them  and  his  country  his  death  was  a  calamity,  but  to  him  it 
was  a  glorious  fading  into  immortality. 


474 


THE    KNIGHTS   TK.M  l'J.AR, 


THE  DRAWING  OF  THE  MEMORIAL  WINDOW  IN  THE 
LIBRARY  AT  "THE  OAKS." 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  475 

'  'Fearless  and  self-reliant,  open  in  dislikes,  warm  in 
friendship,  he  ever  marched  straightforward  in  line  of  duty 
and  truth.  As  a  man  to  be  judged  in  private  life  few  were 
his  equals.  Never  was  he  charged  with  broken  faith  or  vio- 
lated trust. 

"  'And  now  at  eventide,  as  the  shadows  lengthen  toward 
the  East,  where  he  loved  to  sit  so  well  and  from  whence 
we  have  often  obeyed  his  gavel  call,  let  us  turn  again  to  the 
West  and  behold  his  sepulchre,  fully  realizing"  that  the 
Grand  Supreme  Commander  of  the  Universe  has  by  His 
gavel  called  our  comrade  to  his  final  and  peaceful  rest.  Gen- 
tle neighbor,  good  friend,  true  patriot  and  noble  hero,  hail! 
and  again  farewell." 

"As  the  concluding  sentences  of  the  eulogy  were  uttered 
the  knights  presented  arms  and  with  heads  uncovered 
showed  their  appreciation  of  the  dead  hero.  As  the  last 
word,  'farewell,'  fell  from  the  eloquent  speaker  the  trickling 
tears  and  moistened  eyes  of  the  vast  concourse  of  people 
told  plainly  of  the  love  and  respect  which  was  gathered 
there  to  pay  tribute  to  the  memory  of  the  fallen  patriot. 

"After  the  ceremony  at  the  grave  the  knights  visited  Mrs. 
Wallace  at  her  residence  and  by  words  of  comfort  renewed 
the  assurances  of  their  sympathy. 

"Some  years  before  the  Knights  Templar  had  presented 
Mrs.  Wallace  with  a  beautiful  oil  painting  of  her  husband 
(a  duplicate  of  which  hangs  in  the  entrance  to  the  asylum 
of  Ottawa  Commandery — Author),  thus  showing  their  re- 
spect and  esteem  for  her  no  less  than  the  loving  memory 
held  of  her  husband. 

"For  many  years  Mrs.  Wallace  had  a  desire  to  place 
a  memorial  window  in  the  church  at  Ottawa  in  memory  of 
her  husband.  She  gave  much  thought  to  the  subject,  visit- 
ing many  churches  in  her  own  country  and  in  Europe.  In 
the  Glasgow  cathedral  she  especially  admired  the  stained 


476 


THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SECTION  OF  MEMORIAL  WINDOW  IN 
CHRIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH,  OTTAWA,  ILL. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  4/7 

glass  where  the  windows  are  exceptionally  fine.  They  are 
all  memorials  given  in  the  years  1861-1863.  A  committee 
selected  of  Glasgow  citizens  recommended  a  uniform  plan 
of  illustration  and  harmonious  treatment  of  the  entire  series 
of  windows.  The  Royal  Establishment  of  Glass  Painting, 
at  Munich,  was  selected  to  carry  on  the  work,  and  many  of 
the  most  eminent  artists  in  Germany  were  the  designers  of 
the  windows.  One  window  especially  interested  Mrs.  Wal- 
lace. It  was  the  subject  of  the  Resurrection,  designed  by 
Professor  Julius  Hubner,  of  Dresden,  director  of  the  Royal 
gallery,  and  one  of  the  finest  artists  in  Germany.  She  made 
a  note  of  the  name,  and  when  two  years  later  she  visited 
Dresden,  called  upon  him.  asking  if  he  could  suggest  some 
artist  to  design  a  window  for  her.  She  told  him  she  would 
like  the  subject  of  the  Resurrection,  but  as  her  means  were 
limited  she  feared  she  could  not  have  a  design  so  elaborate. 

"Professor  Hubner  became  very  much  interested  in  her 
and  her  project  and  offered  to  undertake  the  work  himself. 
As  he  would  like  to  have  some  of  his  work  in  America,  he 
would  charge  nothing  for  it,  only  for  the  mechancal  part  of 
the  glass  worker.  His  work  consisted  principally  of  large 
canvasses  on  historical  and  biblical  subjects  which  hang  on 
the  walls  of  many  public  and  private  European  galleries. 
Occasionally  he  made  designs  for  memorial  windows,  some 
of  which  were  placed  in  the  royal  palaces  near  Dresden,  to 
which  he  gave  Mrs.  Wallace  and  her  friends  the  entree  to 
see  his  work  and  visit  the  interesting  places. 

"He  made  a  most  beautiful  design  of  the  Resurrection 
for  Mrs.  Wallace's  window.  There  is  the  figure  of  the 
Christ  with  the  angel  holding  open  the  tomb.  On  the  halo 
around  the  Christ  head  is  the  text:  'Grave,  where  is  thy 
victory?'  After  the  window  was  completed  Professor  Hub- 
ner made  Airs.   Wallace  a  present  of  the  drawing  of  the 


4/8  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

window,  which  she  has  incorporated  into  the  book  cases  in 
the  library  at  her  home  in  Ottawa. 

"The  window  was  placed  in  Christ  Episcopal  church  in 
[872.  The  lower  section  of  the  window  represents  the 
life  of  ( ieneral  Wallace. 

"It  was  executed  under  Mrs.  Wallace's  direction  by  a  no 
less  renowned  artist  than  Professor  1  luhner.  The  first  scene 
is  a  log  cabin  representing'  the  childhood  home  with  the 
date  [834  and  the  text:  'That  our  garners  may  be  full.' 
The  next  scene.  1840.  represents  the  student's  life  with  table 
and  hooks  and  the  text  :  'Take  fast  hold  of  instruction.'  The 
third  and  central  figure  represents  his  profession,  Justice 
with  her  scales  and  the  text.  'Teach  me  thy  statutes.'  On  a 
pillar  to  right  in  this  scene  is  a  Masonic  emblem  showing 
his  connection  with  that  order.  The  next  scene  is  the 
•Mexican  war  in  1846  with  the  text:  'Thou  hast  covered 
my  head  in  the  day  of  battle.'  The  lower  picture,  and  the 
last  one,  is  the  river  at  Pittsburg  Landing  with  boats  and 
the  smoke  of  the  battle  in  the  distance,  and  the  riderless 
horse,  with  the  text:  'In  the  Lord  1  have  put  my  trust.  I 
will  not  fear  what  flesh  can  do  unto  me.'  hi  the  right 
corner  of  this  same  picture  is  a  beautiful  oak  tree  in  full 
vigor  riven  with  lightning  and  broken  in  twain;  cling  to 
it  is  a  vine  with  the  text:  'Thy  will,  not  mine,  lie  done.' 
The  oak  tree  representing  the  vigorous  manhood  cut  down 
in  his  prime;  the  vine,  the  woman's  love  remaining  the  same 
both  in  life  and  in  death. 

"Thus  in  beautiful  stained  glass  is  pictured  the  blessed 
truth  of  a  risen  life  beyond  the  sorrows  and  disappointments 
of  this  earthly  life,  where  the  noble  deed  of  heroes  and 
patriots  find  a  reward  more  exalted  than  the  plaudits  of 
their  fellowmen,  for  a  country  saved  in  its  entirety  by  noble 
self-sacrifice  and  exalted  patriotism." 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERV.  4~<) 

General  T.  E.  G.  Ransom. 

General  Thomas  Edward  Greenfield  Ransom,  whose  por- 
trait adorns  the  wall  of  our  asylum,  was  horn  at  Norwich, 
Conn.,  November  29,  1834.  where  he  was  educated  for  the 
profession  of  a  civil  engineer. 

On  coming  west  he  settled  in  Tern,  111.,  removed  thence 
to  Chicago,  and  was  engaged  in  business  in  Fayette  county 
when  the  civil  war  broke  out.  Enlisting  in  the  volunteer 
service  of  the  army,  he  was  at  once  elected  Major,  and  soon 
after  was  promoted  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  Eleventh 
regiment  Illinois  infantry,  which  he  led  at  the  battle  of 
Fort  Donelson,  and  where  he  was  wounded.  Immediately 
after  the  battle  he  was  commissioned  Colonel,  and  while  in 
command  of  his  regiment  was  again  wounded  at  the  battle 
of  Shiloh. 

In  June  of  1862  he  became  chief  of  Gen.  McClernand's 
staff  and  Inspector-General  of  Volunteers,  and  the  following 
year  distinguished  himself  at  the  siege  of  Vicksburg. 

General  Ransom  was  a  man  (if  more  than  ordinary  abil- 
ity, as  was  conspicuously  demonstrated  in  Ranks'  Red  River 
expedition,  and  where  he  was  again  severely  wounded  at 
Sabine  Cross  Roads.  In  acknowledgment  of  his  superior 
ability  he  was  finally  promoted  to  the  command  of  the 
Seventeenth  Arm}-  Corps.  While  thus  his  brilliant  fame  was 
attracting  the  attention  of  his  country  he  was  attacked  with 
camp  dysentery  and  died  near  Rome,  Ga.,  (  )ctober  20,  [864, 
loved  and  lamented  by  comrades  and  friends. 

He  was  knighted  in  Ottawa  Commander}-  July  23,  [864, 
and  in  consideration  of  the  eminent  services  of  Sir  Knight 
T.  E.  G.  Ransom  in  the  cause  of  his  country  the  Command- 
ery  declined  to  accept  from  him  the  usual  fee  for  conferring 
the  orders  of  knisrhthood. 


4$0  THE    KNIGHTS    TEMPLAR, 

(  rEORGE    \V.    LlNINGER. 

Knighted  in  Ottawa  Commandery,  No.  m,  EC.  T.,  (ulv 
23,   [861,  and  Eminent  Commander  [867;   died  at  Omaha, 

Xeb.,  June  8,   1 1 107. 

He  demitted  from  Ottawa  Commandery  October  22, 
[867,  and  was  a  charter  member  of  St.  John's  Commandery, 
No.  2(),  at   Peru.  Illinois. 

The  dispensation  for  St.  John's  Commandery,  No.  26, 
was  issued  to  Em.  Sir  George  W.  Lininger,  Commander; 
Sir  George  Emerson,  Generalissimo,  and  Sir  David  A.  Conk, 
(  aptain  ( ieneral. 

Em.  Sir  Lininger  was  active  in  other  Masonic  bodies  and 
was  Grand  High  Priest  of  the  Grand  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch 
Masons  of  Illinois  in  1868.  On  account  of  poor  health  he 
removed  from  Peru.  111.,  where  he  had  resided  since  1848, 
when  he  came  to  Illinois  from  Franklin  county,  Pa.,  where 
he  was  horn  December  14,   1834.  to  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa. 

He  was  active  in  the  Grand  Masonic  bodies  of  Iowa, 
having  been  Grand  Senior  Warden  in  the  Grand  Lodge  and 
Deputy  Grand  Commander  of  the  Grand  Commandery  and 
Grand  Captain  of  the  Guard  of  the  Grand  Council,  and 
would  have  undoubtedly  presided  over  these  Grand  bodies 
of  Iowa  had  he  remained  within  their  jurisdiction. 

On  January  1,  1874.  he  removed  to  Omaha,  Xeb..  where 
the  same  activity  prompted  his  work  in  that. state  in  all  mat- 
ters pertaining  to  our  institutions  as  did  in  Illinois  and  Iowa. 
Aside  from  these  duties — which  were  light  in  comparison 
with  his  efficient  record  in  discharging  the  minor,  but  equally 
important,  offices  in  lodges,  chapters,  councils  and  com- 
manderies  as  ritualist,  drill-master  and  expounder  of  Ma- 
sonic jurisprudence — he  carried  011  a  successful  and  remuner- 
ative implement  business  and  found  time  to  make  extensive 
trips   to    Europe   and   other  countries.      He  established  the 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  48 1 

Lininger  Art  Gallery  in  Omaha  and  gave  to  it  much  time 
and  wealth,  and  was  justly  proud  of  the  prominence  he  had 
attained  in  his  home  city. 

A  citizen  of  integrity,  crowned  with  Masonic,  political 
and  social  honors,  proving  the  respect  and  confidence  of  his 
fellow  citizens.  Honors  worthily  worn,  respect  well  de- 
served, and  confidence  never  betrayed.     Peace  to  his  ashes! 


482  NIK    KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR, 


MASONIC  REG  )RD  ( )F  \\ .  L.  MILLIGAN. 

Raised  in  (  Accidental  Lodge,  No.  40,  A.  F.  &  A.  M..  Oc- 
tober [3,  [879.  Exalted  in  Shabbona  Chapter,  No.  37.  R. 
A.  M..  December  17.  1X71).  Passed  the  Circle  of  Perfection 
in  Oriental  Council,  No.  63,  l\.  &  S.  M.,  March  2,  [881. 
Created  a  Knight  Templar  and  Knight  of  Malta  in  Ottawa 
Commandery,  No.  10,  K.  T.,  April  _>S,  [881.  Constituted 
a  Sublime  Prince  of  the  Royal  Secret,  32'  .  in  Oriental  Con- 
sistory. Valley  of  Chicago,  October  7.  [881.  Crowned 
Sovereign  Grand  Inspector  General.  33d  and  last  degree  A. 
A.  S.  R.,  at  Providence,  R.  I.,  Sept.  20,  1SS7.  Master  Oc- 
cidental Lodge,  No.  40.  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  [885  to  [887,  in- 
clusive. High  Priest  Shabbona  Chapter,  R.  A.  M.,  [88] 
to  [887,  inclusive.  Master  Oriental  Council.  No.  63,  R.  & 
S.  M..  [883  to  [887,  inclusive.  Commander  Ottawa  Com- 
mandery, No.  10,  K.  T.,  1886,  [887,  [89]  and  [892.  Grand 
High  Priest  Grand  Chapter,  R.  A.  M.,  [895.  Grand  Master 
Grand  Council,  R.  &  S.  M.,  1899.  District  Deputy  Grand 
Master,  ninth  Masonic  district,  [885,  [886,  [887,  [888,  [896 
and  1  S<;-.  Member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  Illinois  Ala- 
sonic  Orphans'  Home  [886  to  [891,  inclusive,  holding  lite 
membership  No.  1  in  said  home.  Second  Vice-President 
Illinois  Masonic  Home  for  Aged  Masons  for  several  years. 
Honorary  member  Fortitude  Lodge,  No.  47,  La  Grange, 
Ky.  Representative  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  South  Australia, 
near  the  ('.rand  Lodge  of  Illinois,  with  the  honorary  rank  of 
Past  Senior  Grand  Warden  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  South 
Australia  since  [886.  lias  represented  the  Grand  Chapter 
of  Quebec  near  the  Grand  Chapter  of  Illinois  and  the  Grand 
Council,  R.  &  S.  M..  near  the  Grand  Council  of  [llinois,  for 
several  years. 

Author  of  the  "White  Apron,"  a  History  of  Occidental 
Lodge,  Xo.  40,  A.  F.  &  A.  M..  and  the  "Knights  Templar," 
a  history  of  Ottawa  Commandery,  Xo.  10,  Knights  Tem- 
plar. 


- 

- 

- 
- 

: 
: 

" 

- 

-    -    i 

is 

: 

Eg 

- 

-  -  I 

I 

- 

— ELobe 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  485 


ERRATA. 

Page  57 — Last  word  of  15th  line  should  be  "of"  instead 
of  "or." 

Page  60 — Last  word  of  27th  line  should  he  "England" 
instead  "Scotland." 

Page  73 — Last  two  lines  should  read: 

"Prepared  by  mother's  love  and  prayers  to  live; 
Prepared  by  mother's  love  and  prayers  to  die." 

Page    /() — Third    line    after    semi-colon    should    read 
"though  there  is  no  proof"  instead  "though  there  is  proof." 

Page   151— H.  F.  Clark,  H.  D.  Brown  and  J.  B.  Riee 
should  he  added  to  names  of  created  in  1862. 

Page  163 — Among  the  created  should  read  "James  Neil 
(A dwell"  instead  "John  Colwell." 

Page   165 — Year    1870  should  read    "stated    conclaves 
second  and  fourth  Thursdays." 

Page    185 — Sixth  line  should   read  "Golden   Bowl"   in- 
stead "Silver  Bowl." 

Page   196 — Third   line  of  third  paragraph  should  read 
"fifty-five"  swords  instead  "twenty-five"  swords,  etc. 

Page   248 — Last   of   sixth   line   should   read    "midnight 
stars"  instead  of  "mid-stars." 

Page  253 — Should  read  David  Refior  Generalissimo  in- 
stead of  Albert  F.  Schoch. 

Page  405 — In  sixth  line  of  W.  L.  Milligan's  history  it 
should  read  Generalissimo   1885  instead  of   Recorder   1888. 

Page  422 — Should  show  David  Refior  as  Generalissimo 
1900,  1901,  1902. 

William  Stormont's  date  of  death,  on  pages  229  and  407, 
and  on  memorial  page,  should  read  December  12.   [894. 

Dr.   J.    S.    Ryburn's   date   of   death   on   memorial   page 
should  read  September  21,   1892. 


486 


Til  E    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 


Fred  \V.  Gay's  date  of  death,  on  page  411,  should  read 
May  6,    [893. 

On  memorial  pages  the  names  and  date  of  death  of 
John  F.  Gibson,  Feb.  -'4,  [906';  Charles  A.  Wiley,  May  6. 
1  909,  and  John  (i.  Yeneriek,  Oct.  _\  i<ji->,  by  error,  were 
omitted. 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  487 

INDEX. 

Page. 
American  Flag",  first  presentation  to  a  Commandery.  18,  217 

A  Mother's  Day  Prayer 23 

Avery  Monument    345 

Baldwin  Encampment 61 

Chivalry    25 

Corner  Stone  court-house,  laying  of 182 

Continuation  of  Order  after  Death  of  Molay $J 

Commanderies  under  jurisdiction  Grand  Commandery 

Illinois    123 

European  War 357 

Grand  Commanderies,  list  of   106 

Grand  Council,  (  )ttawa  Commandery.  No.  10 ^y^, 

Grand  Commanders,  Illinois,  list  of 124 

(hand  Recorders,  Illinois,  list  of 124 

Grand  Encampments,  U.  S.  A 101 

Grand  Masters,  list  of 108 

Grand  Masters  Ancient  Order  Knights  Templar 55 

lu  Hoc  Signo  Vinces 31 

Introduction  of  Templar  Masonry  in  America 74 

Introduction  of  Templar  Masonry  in  Illinois 112 

Introduction  Templar  Masonry  in  Ottawa,  111 139 

Introductory   9 

Knights  of  Malta   64 

Knights  Templar  and  Free  Masons   70 

Masonic  Temple,  dedication  of    137 

Molay,   death  of    54 

Obsequies  James  A.  Garfield 182 

Oldest  Commandery  o-f  Knights  Templar 80 

Ottawa  Commander}',  organization  of 139 

Ottawa  Commandery  under  dispensation,  [86]    141 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1862 147 


488 


THE    KXIGHTS   TEMPLAR. 


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awa 

Commandery 
(  'a  immandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
O  unmandery 
Commandery 
O  unmandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 
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C<  immandery 
( '<  immandery 
( '( immandery 
O  mmandery 
( lommandery 
Commandery 
Commandery 


under 
under 

under 
under 
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under 
under 
under 
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under 
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charter, 
charter 

charter 
charter 
charter 
charter 
charter 
charter 
charter 
charter 
charter 
charter 
charter 
charier 
charter 
charter 
charter 
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charter 
charter 
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863 
864 
865 
866 
867 
868 


870 
871 
872 

$73 

8/4 

8/5 
876 

*77 
878 

879 

880 
881 
882 
883 
884 
885 
886 
XX7 
XXX 
889 
890 
891 
892 
893 
894 
895 


Page. 
1 

o2 
53 
54 
56 
60 
61 

<->5 
68 


o 


72 

73 
75 
/6 
77 
78 

79 

81 

83 

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[86 
[89 
02 
[98 
202 
204 
209 
21  2 

2 '  3 
226 
228 

230 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  489 

Page. 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1896 234 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1897 237 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1898 240 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1899 242 

Ottawa  Commander}-,  under  charter,  1900 244 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1901    251 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1901-2 2^2 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1902-3 255 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1903-4 258 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1904-5 260 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1905-6 268 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1906-7 277 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1907-8 281 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1908-9 285 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1909-10 295 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1910-11    300 

Ottawa  Commander}-,  under  charter,  191  1-12 312 

Ottawa  Commander}-,  under  charter,   1912-13 32^ 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,  1913-14 328 

Ottawa  Commandery,  under  charter,   19 14-15 341 

Ottawa  Commanderv,  under  charter,  1915-16 347 

Ottawa  Commander}-,  under  charter,   1916-17 368 

Ottawa  Commander}-,  membership  of 385 

Ottawa  Commander}-,  St.  Louis  pilgrimage,   1886   .  .  .  .  196 

Ottawa  Commandery.  Denver  pilgrimage,  1892 214 

Ottawa  Commandery,  Boston  pilgrimage,   1895   231 

Ottawa  Commandery,  San  Francisco  pilgrimage,  1904.  .  2O1 
Ottawa  Commandery,  Saratoga  Springs  pilgrimage, 

1907   285 

Ottawa  Commandery,  Chicago  pilgrimage,   1910 303 

( hir   Flags    17 

Our  Home  (Ottawa,  111.  )    «■ 129 

Scotch  and  English  Preceptories   60 


490  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

Page. 

St.  John's  I  >ay,  [867 157 

The  Ancient  ( )nler  of  Knights  Templar 48 

The  Apostles'  Creed 7 

The  Beauseant 32 

The  Civil  War.   [86]    148 

The   Cross    27 

The  Cross,  as  an  instrument  of  punishment 30 

The  Crusades    34 

The  Chapter  of  Clermont 59 

The  governing  bodies  of  Great  Britain   61 

The  Knights  Templars  of  the  middles  ages 43 

The  Knights  Templars  of  France ^J 

The  Knights  Templars  of  Portugal  and  Sweden 60 

The  Knights  Templar,  our  daughter  Commanderies  .  .  .381 
The  Knights  Templar,  Princeton  Commandery,  Xo.  20.381 
The  Knights  Templar,  St.  John's  Commandery,  No.  26.381 
The  Knights  Templar,  Bethany  Commandery,  No.  28.  .381 
The  Knights  Templar,  Streator  Commandery,  No.  70.  .382 
The  Red  Cross   62 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDER Y.  ^OJ 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Page. 

American  Flag [7,  221 

Ascension  scene 9 

Battle  Flag  of  1  ith  Illinois  infantry 472 

Buffalo  Rock 1 30 

Christ  before  Pilate   448 

City   of   Ottawa    128 

Commanders  of  Ottawa  Commandery — 

Commanders  of  Ottawa  Commander)-  (group)   ...  140 
Gray,  Oliver  C.  Burgess,  George  J. 

Rho'ads,  James.  Lininger,  George  W. 

Peckham,  John  B.  Gibson,  William  L. 

Wade.  Thomas  J. 
Commanders  of  Ottawa  Commandery  (group)   .  .  .  162 
Nash.  John  F.  Trimble,  Cairo  D. 

Smith,  Edward  H.  Gibson,  Theodore  C. 

McArthur,  Robert  M. 
Commanders  of  Ottawa  Commandery  (group)   .  .  .  194 
Milligan,  William  L.  Mayo,  Henry. 

Mills,  George  A.  Schoch,  Albert  F. 

Titus,  Walter  B.  Dunaway,  Joseph  N. 

Commanders  of  Ottawa  Commandery  (group)   .  .  .256 
Eldredge,  Edgar.  Vincent,   Irving   1). 

Arnold,  Henry  L.  Fullerton,  William  D. 

McKahin,  Herbert  B. 

Berg.  John  M 328 

Blanchard.  Milton  E 300 

Crowden,  George  A 347 

Dunaway,  George  C 285 

Rollo,  William  H 312 

Pearson,  Joseph  II 368 

Waters,  George  J 341 

Wendel,  Philip  J 295 


|92  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

Page. 

Deer    Park   ( ilen    136 

Gilman,  William  II 220 

( iia\ .  (  Hiver  C 462 

Illinois  valley  looking  east  from  Starved  Ruck 134 

Illinois  valley  looking  west  from  Starved  Rock [35 

Masonic  Temple   [38 

Memorial  Window  at  "The  Oaks" 474 

Memorial   Window  Christ    Episcopal  Church   47(1 

Milligan,  William  L 3 

Nash,  John  F 1 16 

(  Htawa  Commander}-  en  route  to  St.  Louis,  [886 210 

(  Htawa  Commandery  en  route  to  Denver.  1892 222 

Ottawa  Commandery  en  rente  to  Boston,   1895 232 

(  Htawa  Commandery,  Saratoga  Springs,  1907 282 

Ottawa  Commandery,  Chicago,   [910 302 

Ottawa  Commandery  en  route  to  Easter  service,  1912.  .314 

Schoch,   Albert   F 118 

Simon,  A.  D 398 

Smith,  Robert  L..  Recorder y>>< 

"The  Oaks" 470 

Wallace,  General  William  H.  L 467 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY,  493 

MEMORIAL  TRIBUTES. 

Page. 

Ahlborn,  George  H 355 

Allison,  Joseph    366 

Avery,  Julius  Caesar 166 

Batcheller,   David    238 

Blanchard,  Charles   280 

Bull,   Eliphalet    Follett    208 

Bushnell,  Washington 190 

Cameron,  John  Rush    264 

Clark,  Rev.  Charles  P 168 

Cleave,  John  Francis   201 

Colly,  Allien  Atwood 228 

Conard,  Wils<  >n ^2^ 

Cook,  Da\'id  Alpheus 274 

Dunaway,  Joseph  Newton   292 

Dyer,  Edgar  Goodrich 254 

Fiske,  Francis  Lyman    31  ] 

Fullerton,  Thomas  Coxy 229 

Geiger,  Simon   C 371 

Gibson,  Theodore  Cunningham 319 

Gilman,  Charles  H 1S0 

Gilman,  William  Henry 371 

Hall,  William  Camp 2j^ 

llalladay.  Corydon  Cornelius 200 

Hanna,  Alexander   258,  283 

Hapeman,  1  )<  mgias 265 

Harris,  Justus 207 

Hoffman,  Asa  Mann    [99,  207 

Hoffman,  Emil  J 344,  36] 

Lardin,  Albert  T 374 

Lukins,  William   II 248 

Markeson,  Ami  M ^yz, 


49  |  'I'"  E    KX  [GHTS    TKM  PLAR, 

Page. 

Maxwell.   William   R 370 

McArthur,  Robert  Mckim 197 

McClure,  Camillus   318 

^ Tiller.  Henry  C 363 

Mills,   Daniel  Charles   262 

Mitchell.  Austin  Valentine 2t,() 

Modes,  Edward  Charles 243 

Myer,  Robert  Courtney   241 

Xash.  John  Fisk   331 

Pearson,  Samuel  S 288 

Peebles,  Frederick  Alexander   289 

Perkins,   Lothrop    188 

Provins,  Clark  Brading   271 

Read.  Edwin  T 291 

Rhoads,  James    246 

Rice,  John  Brooks 235 

Richolson,   Samuel    276 

Rodgers,  Joshua  P 33s 

1\(  ihrer,  Celestine $S() 

Rohrer,  L<  mis   317 

Ryburn,  John  Stewart    22^ 

Scheidecker,  Louis    2yo 

Sindell,  William  H 3^3 

Slagle,  David  H 284 

Smith,    Edward   Henry    335 

Stebbins,  George  S 158 

Steen.  Charles  H 228 

Stormont,  William   228 

Stout,  John    334 

Strawn,  Walter  I) 337 

Summers.  John   1 206 

Thompson,  Rezin  Naylor 3I] 

Thompson,  Sylvanus  Sumner 297 


HISTORY  OF  OTTAWA  COMMANDERY.  495 

Page. 

Titus,  Walter  Briggs   .  .* 364 

Trowbridge,  Irving   II 340 

Trumbo,  Benjamin  Franklin   321 

Tryon,   Clarence   E 249 

Walker,  Samuel  C 163 

Wallace,  General  William  Hervy  Lamme 150 

Wilmarth,  George  A 251 


BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Page. 

Gray,  Oliver  Cromwell    461 

Lininger,  George  W 480 

Nash,  John  Fisk 115 

Ransom,  Thomas  E.  G 479 

Schoch,  Albert  Frederick 117 

Milligan,  William  L.  (Masonic  Record)    482 

Wallace,  William  Hervy  Lamme   466 


SC R 1 1 T U RAL  READING. 

Page. 

The  Apostasy  1  f  Judas  Iscariot 447 

The  Bitter  Cup 1 26 

The  Crucifixion 457 

The  Election  of  Matthias 45<j 

The  Resurrection    458 

The  Unbelief  of  Thomas    460 


496  THE    KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 


PO  E  M  S  . 

Page. 

At    Last    483 

Crusaders  for  the  Truth    47 

1  lope     446 

If  We  ( )nly  Understood 38] 

Illinois    111 

Lines  Inscribed  Upon  a  Skrll    79 

Not  Afraid  to  Die    yj 

( )ld  (dory  (by  VVilber  D.  Xesl.it )    r6 

Rock  Me  to  Sleep  Mother 21 

Sextennial    69 

The  Beyond 377 

The  Common  Lot  of  Man 330 

The  Prayer  of  Nature 13 

The  Rising  Gi  >d  (  hymn  )    8 

The  Tear 99 

The  Vine  of  Kindness 42 

Thy  Will  be  Done   33 

Who  Speaks  for  This  Man 185 


